By Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu (rtd)
A balanced look at a debate that refuses to go away…
Nigeria, a country whose military is already stretched thin by Internal Security Operations (ISOs) in more than 30 States, has reportedly deployed troops to Benin Republic to help contain a military coup.
This has triggered strong reactions nationwide.
But beyond the arguments, it also touches on an issue I have repeatedly raised in my posts: Nigeria urgently needs more troops — not only for internal stability but also because of our international obligations.
Here are the two sides of the debate:
ARGUMENTS FOR THE DEPLOYMENT
A coup next door is a direct threat to Nigeria.
Instability in Benin will spill into our borders through refugees, weapons flow, and criminal infiltration.
Nigeria has ECOWAS obligations.
Under the 1999 Mechanism and 2001 Democracy Protocol, we are legally and diplomatically bound to act against coups in the region.
Prevention is cheaper than intervention.
A small deployment now may stop a far bigger crisis later.
Nigeria has always used peacekeeping as a diplomatic tool.
Since 1960, we have invested heavily in peace support operations as part of our foreign policy identity. We have already invested huge sunk costs to be recognised as a leading peacekeeping country globally and regionally.
This is not a small matter — with Africa’s future permanent seat on the UN Security Council possibly within reach, Nigeria cannot afford to withdraw from the leadership roles that built its credibility.
My long-standing argument for more troops is linked to this.
When deciding the optimal size of Nigeria’s military and police — a question nobody has seriously asked — we cannot calculate only for domestic needs.
Nigeria must also maintain surplus operational capacity for peacekeeping and regional stabilisation missions.
Deployments are likely to be small scale specialised.
They do not always involve large formations that significantly weaken internal operations.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE DEPLOYMENT
The military is already overstretched.
With insecurity across the country, many Nigerians ask why any soldier should be abroad.
Domestic security should come first.
People feel government should prioritise kidnappings, killings, and banditry at home before facing crises elsewhere.
Constitutional process matters.
Any foreign deployment should involve proper National Assembly oversight. NASS should have been consulted as required by Constitution (no matter how rubber stamp the legislature is).
Public perception is negative.
Citizens observe that government often reacts faster to external crises than to local emergencies. Some even believe Nigeria is nudged by France.
Risk of escalation/mission creep
A small mission can grow into a long-term, expensive commitment à la ECOMOG in Liberia.
THE BIGGER STRATEGIC QUESTION
This debate exposes a deeper issue:
Nigeria has never properly defined the optimal size of its armed forces and police in line with its domestic threats AND its international ambitions. All you hear is ad hoc knee jerk decision “Recruit 100,000 “. Force structuring is, should be a scientific data driven analytical process not a presidential or legislative outburst in times of difficulties.
If we truly want to lead Africa, contribute to global peace, and position ourselves for a future African UN Security Council seat, then:
We must invest in a larger, well-structured military.
We must build a stronger police force to take over internal security roles.
We must retain capacity for ECOWAS , AU and UN peacekeeping missions.
This is why I have consistently advocated for a significant expansion of Nigeria’s security forces.
FINAL THOUGHT
Nigerians asking “Who sends troops abroad when fighting at home?” are not wrong.
But equally, Nigeria cannot abandon a regional leadership role that has defined our diplomacy since independence.
Finding the balance requires restructuring, expansion, and long-term strategic planning.
Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu (rtd) is a Security & Defence Analyst/Conflict Security & Development Consult Ltd
