…urges stronger intelligence, foreign partnerships
The national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has raised concerns over what he described as political interference in Nigeria’s military operations.
He warned that countermanding battlefield decisions without clear constitutional authority poses grave dangers to national security.
Speaking during a televised interview on Nigeria’s security situation, Gabam argued that the President bears ultimate responsibility for both kinetic and non-kinetic security strategies, stressing that no individual or institution has the constitutional power to override presidential directives to the military.
According to him, reports of troops being ordered to stand down at critical moments sometimes when they were on the verge of reclaiming territory or making strategic arrests are deeply troubling and require explanation at the highest level.
He said, “We have seen communications, though unofficial, suggesting that the military had made serious inroads and were about to record major successes, only for them to receive instructions to withdraw. The question is: who has the authority to give such an order apart from the President? If anyone else can countermand a presidential directive, then we are in a very dangerous situation.”
He referenced unresolved controversies surrounding the withdrawal of troops in parts of Kebbi State during incidents involving mass kidnappings, noting that despite debates at the National Assembly and complaints by state authorities, there has been no official clarification on who ordered the military to leave those locations.
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Gabam insisted that Nigeria has the capacity to defeat non-state armed groups if decisive leadership is exercised, citing past administrations where firm presidential directives led to swift security responses.
He said, “When a president gives a direct order on security, it is final. No minister, no appointee, not even the Chief of Defence Staff can counter that order without reverting to the President. That chain of command must be respected.”
Gabam urged the Federal Government to revive security negotiations with Washington, recalling that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria successfully negotiated the purchase of Super Tucano aircraft following discussions with then U.S. President Donald Trump.
“There is no reason why that level of understanding cannot be restored,” he said, adding that Nigeria should also explore partnerships with other technologically advanced countries.
Turning to regional security, Gabam expressed concern over instability in the Sahel following the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS, warning that porous borders have allowed armed fighters and weapons to flow into Nigeria.
He warned that Nigeria’s security risks are compounded by political tensions, approaching elections, logistical challenges, poverty, and widespread social frustration.
“You have hungry, angry populations, weaponized poverty, and political crises converging at the same time,” he said. “There must be deliberate efforts to reduce national tension.”