Nigerian Military personnel tired, exhausted from prolonged deployments – Defence minister

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said Nigerian military personnel are exhausted from prolonged deployments and sustained operations across the country.

He said many soldiers spend years away from their families while battling insecurity in different parts of the country, describing the situation as a major strain on the military.

Mr Musa, therefore, called for the empowerment and reform of the Nigeria Police Force to enable it to take full responsibility for internal security and reduce the military’s involvement in routine policing.

The minister spoke at an APC event in Abuja, where he disclosed that some military personnel spend up to two years in one operational location before being redeployed to another theatre of operation.

He said the military was supporting the police while the force builds the capacity to tackle internal security challenges.

“We’re looking at how we can enhance the police, because my men are tired. I can tell you for free,” he said.

Mr Musa explained that some personnel were frequently moved from one operational area to another, with little opportunity to spend time with their families.

“You will spend two years in one place, then you are moving to the Northwest. Sometimes you don’t even see your family. It’s not like they’re enjoying it, but there’s a necessity that we have to be there,” he said.

He said the military would gradually return to the barracks as the police became better equipped and capable of handling internal security responsibilities.

“We feel if they get these things right, there’s no need for the military,” he said.

The minister lamented that military personnel hardly had opportunities to take holidays because of the demands of operations across the country.

“We hardly go on holidays,” he added.

Mr Musa stressed that the military should only be deployed in situations beyond the capacity of the police, arguing that the current level of military involvement in internal security operations had overstretched personnel.

He said soldiers continued to make significant sacrifices for the country’s peace and security, urging Nigerians to support them and pray for their safety.

“Our soldiers continue to make heavy sacrifices for the peace and security of Nigeria. They deserve our support, prayers, and better welfare,” he added.