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AFCRD 2026: Ex-COAS Buratai Calls for Expanded, Well-Equipped Police Force
AFCRD 2026: Ex-COAS Buratai Calls for Expanded, Well-Equipped Police Force
A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has called for a significantly expanded and well-equipped Nigeria Police Force to take full responsibility for internal security, reducing the country’s reliance on the military for routine policing duties
Buratai made the call at the National Symposium/Lecture Series held in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) in Abuja, Monday, where he delivered a lecture titled ‘Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.’
He stressed that the police should be professionalised under a funded, multi-year plan to achieve a strength of around 1.5 million officers, thereby ensuring they can independently manage internal security responsibilities.
Buratai also called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s security and governance architecture to safeguard the nation’s long-term security and stability.
He canvassed for the repositioning of the armed forces as a catalyst for national development, while advocating a strategic focus on high-intensity combat and external defence.
The former ambassador to Benin Republic outlined five key policy recommendations to translate Nigeria’s defence vision into actionable outcomes.
He proposed the establishment of a National Defence Innovation Fund (NDIF), leveraging public-private partnerships to finance research and development in critical dual-use technologies such as cyber defence, unmanned aerial systems, satellite communications, and renewable energy solutions for forward operating bases.
He noted that such a framework would ensure defence spending drives innovation within the civilian technology sector.
On human capital development, Buratai called for a revised National Service and Veterans’ Framework, transforming the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into a mandatory national service scheme with both military and civic tracks to promote skill acquisition, national cohesion, and post-service employment opportunities.
He further called for the passage of a Veterans’ Rights and Transition Act to guarantee timely pensions, healthcare access, skills conversion programmes, and legal protections for retired personnel.
The ex-COAS also recommended institutionalising permanent civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) directorates within the Ministry of Defence and service headquarters to ensure structured collaboration with civilian ministries in post-conflict development, while preventing mission creep by the military.
On regional security, Buratai emphasised the need for strengthened multilateral cooperation through frameworks such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Gulf of Guinea maritime security architecture.
He noted that collective action remains critical in addressing transnational threats and fostering stability across the region.
He concluded that a balanced approach to defence reform, internal security restructuring, and regional cooperation would allow Nigeria to optimise its resources, strengthen national unity, and secure a more prosperous future.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a professional and resilient armed forces capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting national development.
He highlighted the ministry’s ongoing focus on troop welfare, enhanced training, doctrinal refinement, and expansion of indigenous defence production to ensure sustainable long-term security capabilities.
Musa also noted that current policy and legislative reforms are revitalising local defence industries, encouraging private sector participation, creating jobs, and deepening local content while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
In his remarks, former COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), welcomed Musa’s appointment as Defence Minister, noting that it would accelerate the much-needed reforms in the armed forces.
He also endorsed Buratai’s call for the proper integration of veterans, emphasising that their experience and expertise should be harnessed to address national security challenges effectively.
Temitope Adewale: Heralding New Era of Infrastructure Development in Ifako-Ijaiye
Residents of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area are witnessing a new phase of infrastructural transformation as key transportation projects begin to reshape mobility and economic activity within the constituency. At the heart of this development is the ongoing rehabilitation and resurfacing of Iju Road, alongside the introduction of the Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) along the Iju–Agege-Abule-Egba transport route.
The projects represent a strategic step toward improving road infrastructure, strengthening public transport systems, and enhancing connectivity across several communities within the local government area; this is a total shift from the norm previously known.
For decades, Iju Road has served as one of the most important road networks connecting Iju-Ishaga, Abule-Egba, Agege, Agbado and adjoining communities leading to neighbouring Ogun State. The road plays a crucial role in the daily movement of residents, goods, commercial operators, and commuters traveling to other parts of Lagos.
However, years of heavy usage and increasing population growth placed significant pressure on the road infrastructure, making rehabilitation necessary. The ongoing project focuses on total resurfacing of the entire stretch of the road, strengthening its structure, and improving drainage to ensure long-term durability.
Beyond restoring the road surface, the rehabilitation effort is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, and enhance the overall commuting experience for thousands of residents who depend on the route daily.
In addition to the road project is the introduction of the Quality Bus Corridor initiative along the Iju–Abule-Egba axis. The project forms part of Lagos State’s broader effort to modernise urban transportation and improve the efficiency of public transit across the state.
The QBC model is designed to enhance bus operations along major transport routes by upgrading road infrastructure, improving traffic management systems, and providing better facilities for commuters.
Under the initiative, several improvements are expected along the corridor, including upgraded bus stops which are already underway, improved pedestrian walkways, traffic signal optimisation, and enhanced safety measures for road users.
These upgrades are aimed at making bus transportation faster, more reliable, and more comfortable for commuters while also reducing congestion along one of the busiest corridors in the area.
The Iju–Abule-Egba corridor serves as a major transportation link for communities across Ifako-Ijaiye and neighbouring areas. With the introduction of the QBC system and the rehabilitation of Iju Road, residents are expected to benefit from improved connectivity and more efficient access to key commercial and residential districts.
Improved road infrastructure also plays an important role in facilitating economic activities, as easier transportation enables smoother movement of goods and services across communities.
For traders, transport operators, and small business owners, better road conditions translate into reduced vehicle maintenance costs, shorter travel times, and improved productivity which is the desire of all citizens. This project will surely reduce costs of energy spent on travel time, improve lifespan through less traffic, reduce carbon emission and help achieve better health for all.
The ongoing infrastructural improvements in Ifako-Ijaiye have become a reality through the legislative advocacy and productive engagement with relevant government agencies by Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, OON, member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Temitope Adewale, who is also the Chairman,House Committee on Transportation has been instrumental in facilitating groundbreaking infrastructural projects to Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01, all in bid to improve the social outlook and transform the economic landscape of the area.
Through continuous engagement with government authorities and stakeholders, the projects have gained the support required to address longstanding transportation challenges affecting different parts of the constituency, giving residents the joy for free movements at will.
His advocacy has contributed to ensuring that Ifako-Ijaiye remains part of the broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at transforming Lagos into a modern and well-connected megacity.
Infrastructure development remains a key driver of urban growth, and the ongoing projects within Ifako-Ijaiye reflect a broader commitment to building resilient and efficient transport systems across Lagos State.
By combining road rehabilitation with modern public transport initiatives such as the Quality Bus Corridor, the state government is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and integrated transportation network.
For residents of Ifako-Ijaiye, the transformation of Iju Road and the introduction of the QBC initiative represent more than just road construction—they signal progress toward improved mobility, stronger local economies, and a better quality of life.
As work continues along the corridor, many residents remain optimistic that these infrastructural improvements will usher in a new era of development for the local government area.
Deputy Senate President Appoints Odunjo as Senior Legislative Aide
The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, has appointed Hon. Odunleye Odunjo as Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), according to a letter dated March 6, 2027.
The letter, addressed to Odunjo, stated that the appointment is “at the pleasure of the Deputy President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Hon. Odunjo, who currently serves as Director General of Ogun State Visionaries for Yayi, previously represented Ado-Odo/Ota Constituency II in the Ogun State House of Assembly for eight years. He also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State before voluntarily resigning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to the appointment, Odunjo expressed gratitude to God and thanked his principal, Senator Jibrin, for the opportunity to serve. He also acknowledged the support of Olamilekan Solomon Adeola and Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Odunjo’s new role as SLA positions him at the center of legislative affairs, assisting in policy formulation and constituency representation at the national level.
Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Picks Raise Questions on Merit, Strategy — Banwo
Dr. Ope Banwo, has questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s latest ambassadorial appointments, describing the list as reflective of political compensation rather than national strategy.
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In a self-signed statement released from his base on Wednesday, Banwo argued that the composition of the list suggests a pattern where loyalty and political survival appear to outweigh competence and global credibility.
According to him, countries typically deploy their most respected professionals and seasoned diplomats to represent national interests abroad. However, he noted that Nigeria’s approach seems to differ significantly.
“Other nations send their best—economists, scholars, and experienced diplomats. In Nigeria, we often send political loyalists, ideological turncoats, and controversial figures,” he said.
Banwo expressed concern that such appointments could weaken Nigeria’s global standing, stressing that diplomacy requires individuals who command respect in international circles.
He further questioned why diplomatic postings are often treated as rewards for political allegiance rather than strategic tools for advancing national interests.
The public commentator maintained that this pattern may partly explain Nigeria’s limited influence on the global stage, despite its size and economic potential.
Banwo noted that while some appointees may still perform creditably, the overall perception created by the list raises concerns about the country’s priorities.
He emphasized the need for a shift toward merit-based appointments, insisting that Nigeria deserves representatives who embody integrity, competence, and national pride.
“In my view, Nigeria deserves ambassadors who reflect the very best of our intellect and values, not individuals who leave foreign observers questioning our choices,” he added.
Banwo concluded that unless the selection process is reformed, Nigeria risks undermining its diplomatic effectiveness and credibility in international affairs.
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