In a bold move to revamp Nigeria’s security architecture, newly confirmed Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has announced plans to withdraw military personnel from routine checkpoint duties, handing over responsibility to the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Musa, who spoke during his ministerial screening on Wednesday, emphasised that the move is aimed at strengthening internal security and allowing the armed forces to focus on tackling more sophisticated threats.
“We will possibly withdraw all military men out of the checkpoints and let the Police and Civil Defence handle those aspects, so that we can go into the bushes and take out these criminals,” he said. The Defence Minister noted that the current security framework has stretched military resources thin, leaving less room for specialised operations against criminal groups. He stressed that checkpoints, often manned by soldiers, should ideally fall under the responsibility of civilian security agencies, aligning with global best practices.
Musa explained that redeploying soldiers away from roadside duties would enable the military to intensify targeted operations, including infiltration missions aimed at dismantling criminal networks. He noted that criminals have grown increasingly sophisticated, often blending in with civilians or exploiting gaps in checkpoint procedures. The new approach, Musa argued, would enhance efficiency and reduce security lapses, allowing the military to take a more proactive role in intelligence-driven operations rather than static deployments that offer limited results. The move has been welcomed by security experts, who believe it will help to improve security in the country.