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:
Instability in Benin will spill into our borders through refugees, weapons flow, and criminal infiltration.
Under the 1999 Mechanism and 2001 Democracy Protocol, we are legally and diplomatically bound to act against coups in the region.
A small deployment now may stop a far bigger crisis later.
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.
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.
They do not always involve large formations that significantly weaken internal operations.
With insecurity across the country, many Nigerians ask why any soldier should be abroad.
People feel government should prioritise kidnappings, killings, and banditry at home before facing crises elsewhere.
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).
Citizens observe that government often reacts faster to external crises than to local emergencies. Some even believe Nigeria is nudged by France.
A small mission can grow into a long-term, expensive commitment à la ECOMOG in Liberia.
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:
This is why I have consistently advocated for a significant expansion of Nigeria’s security forces.
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