Gen. Oluyede
During a high-stakes 2025 budget appraisal and 2026 proposal hearing, Nigeria’s military leadership and the National Assembly reached a consensus: bullets alone will not solve the nation's security crisis.
Gen. Oluyede announced significant troop movements to Kwara and Niger States, but the conversation quickly shifted to the structural weaknesses of the broader security architecture.
Key Highlights from the Hearing:
| Theme | General Oluyede’s Stance | Rep. Babajimi Benson’s Response |
| Strategy | Launching "Operation Savannah Shield" to fill North-Central security gaps. | Kinetic (military) force must be paired with non-kinetic reforms. |
| Sustainability | The Police and Civil Defence must take over recovered lands to prevent re-entry by bandits. | Budget allocations must result in "measurable improvements" in public safety. |
| Resources | Military manpower is overextended; more recruitment and inter-agency support are vital. | Legislative support is guaranteed, provided there is accountability and transparency. |
The Path Forward:
House Committee Chairman Babajimi Benson underscored that the National Assembly remains committed to funding the defense sector but warned that funding must be matched by better inter-agency synergy.
The goal is to move beyond temporary military successes toward a framework of "lasting peace" where civil authorities can eventually take the lead in internal security.
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