The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has said ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia and Ukraine are making it increasingly difficult for Nigeria to acquire the military equipment needed to tackle insecurity.
Speaking on Saturday at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, the minister said global demand for military hardware has risen sharply due to the ongoing wars, limiting access for countries like Nigeria.
According to him, nations involved in the conflicts often place large orders and make advance payments, leaving little room for other countries seeking similar equipment.
He stressed that the situation highlights the need for Nigeria to strengthen local defence production and become more self-reliant in meeting its security needs.
The minister commended local defence manufacturers and innovators, urging increased government support and patronage for indigenous military equipment.
Badaru also expressed concern over the absence of a comprehensive national database, describing it as a major challenge for security agencies, especially the police, in tracking criminals and investigating crimes.
He called on the National Assembly to support efforts aimed at creating a reliable database for all Nigerians, noting that such a system would significantly improve intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations.
According to him, security agencies, particularly the police, have continued to perform despite the limitations created by the lack of an effective national database.
The minister further stressed the importance of public cooperation in addressing insecurity, noting that security agencies rely heavily on timely and credible information from citizens to prevent crimes and apprehend criminals.
He lamented the increasing cases of vandalism of public infrastructure, including roads, rail facilities and solar-powered streetlights, attributing some of the incidents to the failure of residents to report suspicious activities.
Badaru also urged state governors to ensure that increased federal allocations translate into tangible development at the grassroots level, arguing that poverty, unemployment and illiteracy remain major drivers of insecurity.
He further called for proper regulation of community-based security groups, warning that arming unregulated outfits could create additional security challenges.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the National Assembly would continue to support security agencies through legislation, oversight and funding.
Kalu, however, maintained that military operations alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the need for broader reforms and collaboration among stakeholders.
He disclosed that local government reforms remain a key aspect of the ongoing constitutional amendment process and urged support for the State Police Bill, which recently passed the House of Representatives.
According to him, Nigeria’s growing population and evolving security threats require a more decentralised policing structure capable of responding effectively to local challenges.
The Deputy Speaker also called for greater private sector involvement in addressing security concerns, noting that businesses, technology firms and financial institutions have important roles to play in strengthening national security.