RISING INSECURITY: NIGERIA NEEDS MILITARY RESERVE FORCE, EX-ARMY OFFICER SAYS

By Our Correspondent

Amid growing concerns over terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, piracy and communal violence across the country, a retired military officer and security expert, Captain Oyeleke Folajuwon Oluwole (Rtd.), has called for the establishment of a military reserve force to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture.

Oluwole said the country's active-duty military personnel were increasingly overstretched by multiple security operations nationwide, warning that Nigeria lacked the manpower required to effectively tackle evolving security threats.

The retired officer, who made the call in an article titled "Nigeria Needs a Military Reserve Force: A Missing Link in National Security," noted that while the Armed Forces of Nigeria had continued to perform creditably under difficult circumstances, the nation's security challenges demanded additional manpower and strategic depth.

According to him, the country's population of over 230 million people requires a broader pool of trained personnel that can be mobilised during emergencies, conflicts, humanitarian crises and other national security situations.

He argued that modern security threats require not only a standing military but also a well-trained reserve component capable of supporting active-duty forces when necessary.

Oluwole pointed out that countries such as the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom and India operate military reserve systems that serve as force multipliers during wars, natural disasters and homeland security operations.

He said Nigeria could adopt a similar model by creating reserve components within the Army, Navy and Air Force, comprising retired military personnel as well as trained civilians with specialised skills.

According to him, professionals such as doctors, engineers, pilots, cybersecurity experts, intelligence analysts, telecommunications specialists and logistics professionals could contribute significantly to national security through reserve service while maintaining their civilian careers.

The security expert further stated that a reserve force would help address recruitment challenges, improve emergency response capabilities and reduce operational pressure on serving military personnel.

He added that the proposed arrangement would also support disaster management, infrastructure protection, humanitarian operations and community resilience during periods of national emergency.

"A military reserve force would not merely increase numbers; it would strengthen national readiness, reduce pressure on active-duty troops, harness civilian expertise and create a more sustainable security architecture for the future," he stated.

Oluwole also said the initiative would complement ongoing discussions on state policing and other security reforms by providing additional manpower and resilience during emergencies.

The retired officer stressed that as Nigeria continues to search for solutions to its security challenges, the establishment of a military reserve force should be regarded as a strategic necessity rather than an optional reform.

He also commended officers and men of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the nation and urged them to continue to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

According to him, stronger collaboration among the military, intelligence agencies, law enforcement organisations, local communities and emerging security institutions will be crucial to building a more effective national security framework.

Oluwole concluded that beyond winning battles against terrorism and criminality, Nigeria must focus on strengthening institutions and developing a sustainable security structure capable of protecting future generations.