Security requires more than military action, Abbas says

Federal Government’s response to insecurity must extend beyond kinetic operations, in line with President Tinubu’s position that broader socio-economic measures are required to address the country’s security challenges

By Mmesoma Onwuka

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said that achieving lasting security in Nigeria requires more than military operations, stressing the need to create opportunities, restore hope and strengthen citizens.

Tajudeen stated this on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Kaduna, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the passing-out ceremony of cadets of the 73rd Regular Course and other commissioning courses of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The Speaker said the ceremony went beyond the formal commissioning of military officers, noting that Nigeria’s security depended not only on the courage of the armed forces but also on the strength and resilience of the society they protect.

According to him, the Federal Government’s response to insecurity must extend beyond kinetic operations, in line with President Tinubu’s position that broader socio-economic measures are required to address the country’s security challenges.

He identified job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development and social protection as key components of efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

Tajudeen commended the transformation of the NDA and its growing international profile, saying the institution had continued to strengthen the professional capacity of Nigeria’s military personnel.

He noted that Nigerian cadets were increasingly participating in advanced counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency training, international military competitions and professional exchanges, which, he said, demonstrated the country’s capacity to compete at the global level.

The Speaker also highlighted the NDA’s role in training military officers from other African countries, describing the institution as an important instrument of military diplomacy, professional cooperation and defence education in the region.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, saying the country would continue to support democratic governance, strengthen cooperation and promote peaceful engagement across West Africa while opposing unconstitutional changes of government.

Addressing the graduating cadets, Tajudeen congratulated them on their commissioning and urged them to recognise the responsibility attached to their new status as officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He charged them to uphold the honour of the Nigerian flag, serve with courage, lead with discipline and remain conscious of the trust placed in them by millions of Nigerians.

The Speaker said national security was strongest when the military remained courageous, institutions were resilient and citizens had hope for the future.

He wished the newly commissioned officers success in their careers and expressed confidence that their service would bring honour to their families, the Nigerian Defence Academy and the country.