Funding delays undermining security gains- Agbese

Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has identified inadequate and delayed funding as a major constraint in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, stressing that consistent financial support to the Armed Forces could significantly shift the trajectory of the war.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Agbese commended Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, for what he described as their “focused and results-driven approach” to addressing the country’s security challenges.

He noted that while troops have continued to show bravery and resilience across various theatres of operation, their performance is ultimately dependent on the timely provision of resources.

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“Our military is doing an extraordinary job under very demanding conditions.

“However, no matter how committed and professional our troops are, the reality is that military operations require consistent funding, timely releases, and access to modern equipment,” Agbese said.

The lawmaker pointed to recent gains recorded by the military, including intensified offensives against insurgents and criminal networks, as evidence of a more coordinated strategy under the current leadership.

According to him, Oluyede has strengthened operational synergy within Nigeria’s defence structure, while the Army, under Shaibu, has maintained sustained pressure on insurgent groups through targeted ground operations.

Agbese said the evolving approach reflects a deeper grasp of contemporary warfare, particularly the importance of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.

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“What we are seeing today is a leadership that is not only committed but also strategic. There is better coordination, improved morale among troops, and a clear determination to confront these threats head-on,” he said.

He added that security forces have made measurable progress in weakening insurgent networks, cutting off supply routes, and reclaiming territories previously occupied by non-state actors.

However, he warned that these gains could be difficult to sustain without a more efficient funding mechanism.

“Appropriations alone are not enough. What matters is the speed and consistency of releases. Delays in funding can slow down operations, affect logistics, and ultimately give criminal elements the breathing space they need,” Agbese said.

He urged relevant government agencies to treat defence spending as a critical national priority rather than a routine fiscal obligation, noting that security investment is central to national stability.

Agbese also called on citizens to play a more active role in supporting the military, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in intelligence gathering and overall security efforts.

“Our troops are making sacrifices daily to keep the country safe. As citizens, we must support them; not just by acknowledging their efforts, but by cooperating with security agencies and providing useful information where necessary,” he said.

The Benue lawmaker further highlighted the need for sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies, state governments, and local communities to tackle the underlying drivers of insecurity.

He expressed confidence that with improved funding, institutional backing, and sustained leadership from the nation’s top military commanders, Nigeria can make meaningful progress in overcoming insurgency.

“This is a fight we can win. With the right support, the right leadership, and a united national effort, we will see a turning point in our security landscape,” Agbese declared.