Ex-Defence Chief Warns of Forces Seeking to Destabilise Nigeria

Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim (retd.), has sounded the alarm over lingering threats to the country, warning that powerful forces are still working to destabilise the nation and push it toward disintegration.

Speaking at the reunion of the 42nd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Abuja, Admiral Ibrahim said that the nation’s insecurity is no accident. He pointed to Nigeria’s abundant resources, porous borders, and deep internal divisions as vulnerabilities that have made it a target for both external and internal actors seeking to exploit the country.

According to the retired defence chief, Nigeria’s size and economic potential continue to attract individuals and groups who aim to benefit from its wealth without contributing to its growth. He stressed that these pressures, if left unchecked, could threaten national cohesion and stability.

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Admiral Ibrahim’s warning comes amid rising concerns over insecurity across parts of the country, including armed banditry, separatist agitations, and other forms of organized crime. He urged leaders and citizens alike to remain vigilant, strengthen internal security structures, and foster unity to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.

The former defence chief also highlighted the role of leadership accountability in mitigating internal threats, calling for stronger collaboration between political authorities and security agencies to address underlying socio-economic and political grievances that fuel instability.

Ibrahim’s remarks have reignited discussions on the urgent need for national strategies to tackle security challenges and safeguard Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation.