Security analyst Jonathan Onoja has identified poor welfare conditions for military personnel as a primary catalyst for Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. He asserts that without addressing the challenges faced by troops, anti- insurgency efforts will continue to fall short.
During an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Onoja described Nigeria’s security issues as multifaceted but emphasized that a decline in military morale is a critical element weakening on-the-ground operations.
He explained that the current security framework is hampered by what he termed "structural demoralization," leading to a lack of motivation and support among soldiers required to effectively confront insurgents and bandits.
"Well, I’ve often said that Nigerian insecurity is multidimensional… it seems to be a sort of general demoralization, structural demoralization," he commented.
Onoja elaborated that despite official reports indicating progress, the actual situation on the ground reveals insufficient combat engagement due to low troop motivation.
He argued that welfare issues, such as delayed pension payments and uncertainty about life after service, are discouraging soldiers from fully dedicating themselves to the fight against insecurity.
"How will the troops be motivated when they’re not even guaranteed their welfare?" he questioned.
He specifically highlighted the leadership void at the Military Pension Board as a major concern, noting that delays in appointments and payments are adversely affecting both active service members and retired veterans.
According to Onoja, this uncertainty creates anxiety among troops regarding the future welfare of their families should they perish in service, further diminishing morale.
"No troop… wants to go and pay the ultimate price when they’re not even sure what will happen to their families," he stated.
Furthermore, Onoja pointed to deficiencies in intelligence gathering and utilization, as well as inadequate military equipment. He cautioned that insurgents are increasingly adopting advanced tactics, including the use of sophisticated technologies like armed drones.
Beyond purely military strategies, he advocated for the implementation of non- kinetic approaches, such as poverty reduction programs, educational initiatives, and community engagement, to tackle the underlying causes of insecurity.
"While we are fighting the kinetic war… we must ensure that we bring in poverty alleviation," he emphasized.
He also stressed the importance of public cooperation, asserting that communities must place their trust in security agencies and actively share intelligence to effectively combat threats.
In conclusion, Onoja maintained that prioritizing the welfare of troops could significantly alter the course of Nigeria’s security challenges.
"Once we have been able to prioritize the welfare of our troops, the problems will be at least half-solved," he concluded.
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