Frequent changes to Nigeria’s military leadership risk undermining counter-insurgency operations and creating operational lapses that criminal elements can exploit, federal lawmaker Hon. Philip Agbese warned during a national television broadcast.
Speaking on TVC News on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives addressed growing public calls for the removal of military commanders following security incidents.
Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, stressed that stability in military command is crucial to maintaining strategic momentum against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers across the country.
Agbese noted that constantly replacing service chiefs forces incoming commanders to re-evaluate operational strategies, reorganize command hierarchies, and implement new approaches.
Transitional delays created by frequent leadership turnarounds provide insurgents and terror groups with the necessary time to regroup, rearm, and launch fresh attacks.
Despite belonging to the opposition Labour Party (LP), Agbese highlighted that national security transcends party politics and requires unified public backing. Operational reports reveal that Nigerian security forces have successfully rescued over 1,000 kidnapped victims from captivity so far in 2026.
The lawmaker called for a critical review of Nigeria’s participation in the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that threat actors ignore international law while international legal scrutiny places undue constraints on frontline troops.
Hon. Agbese cautioned against the knee-jerk reaction of calling for top-level military dismissals whenever security breaches occur:
“Each time there are security issues, some people begin to call for the removal of the service chiefs. Those things cause setbacks because when you remove them and bring in new ones, they try to introduce different approaches, and it takes time for them to settle down. Within that period, insurgents gain mileage and launch fresh attacks.”
Emphasizing the duty of politicians and citizens alike to rally around frontline security personnel, he added:
“As members of the opposition, we believe government can always do more in providing leadership and security. But when it comes to the Armed Forces, they belong to all Nigerians and deserve our collective support.”
In addition to structural stability, Agbese commended members of the public who actively challenge false narratives and unverified security reports on social media. He warned that misleading information damages public trust, demoralizes frontline personnel, and compromises sensitive tactical operations.
He concluded by calling for enhanced international intelligence sharing to bolster Nigeria’s local counter-terrorism operations and protect vulnerable communities nationwide.
