The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said that improved funding and the timely release of appropriated resources to the military remain critical to turning the tide in Nigeria’s war against insurgency and other forms of insecurity.
Mr Agbese made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, where he also commended the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for their “focused and results-driven approach” to tackling security challenges across the country.
The lawmaker said that while the Armed Forces have continued to demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of evolving threats, the effectiveness of their operations is closely tied to the availability of adequate and timely funding.
“Our military is doing an extraordinary job under very demanding conditions. However, no matter how committed and professional our troops are, the reality is that military operations require consistent funding, timely releases, and access to modern equipment,” Mr Agbese said.
He noted that recent operational improvements in various theatres, including intensified offensives against insurgents and criminal groups, reflect a renewed strategic direction under the current military leadership.
According to him, General Oluyede has brought greater coordination and urgency to Nigeria’s defence architecture, while the Army under Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has sustained pressure on insurgent elements through targeted ground operations.
Mr Agbese said both leaders have demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexity of modern warfare, particularly the need for intelligence-driven operations and stronger synergy across the different arms of the military.
“What we are seeing today is a leadership that is not only committed but also strategic. There is better coordination, improved morale among troops, and a clear determination to confront these threats head-on,” he said.
The Benue lawmaker added that the Armed Forces have recorded notable successes in degrading insurgent capabilities, disrupting supply chains, and reclaiming territories previously under the control of non-state actors.
He stressed, however, that sustaining and expanding these gains would depend largely on how quickly and efficiently financial resources are made available to the military.
“Appropriations alone are not enough. What matters is the speed and consistency of releases. Delays in funding can slow down operations, affect logistics, and ultimately give criminal elements the breathing space they need,” Mr Agbese said.
He called on relevant government institutions to prioritise defence funding, describing it as an investment in national stability rather than a routine budgetary obligation.
Mr Agbese also urged Nigerians to recognise and support the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that public confidence and cooperation remain vital to the success of security operations.
“Our troops are making sacrifices daily to keep the country safe. As citizens, we must support them; not just by acknowledging their efforts, but by cooperating with security agencies and providing useful information where necessary,” he said.
The lawmaker further emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the military and other security agencies, as well as state governments and local communities, in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
He expressed optimism that with improved funding, stronger institutional support, and continued leadership from the CDS and COAS, Nigeria can make significant progress in overcoming insurgency and restoring lasting peace.
“This is a fight we can win. With the right support, the right leadership, and a united national effort, we will see a turning point in our security landscape,” Mr Agbese declared.
