Former Foreign Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi has issued a far-reaching appeal urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to trigger sweeping security reforms, suspend long-standing military retirement rules, and activate measures he described as “exceptional” for a nation confronting escalating terrorism, banditry and armed criminality.
In a statement, the international affairs scholar argued that Nigeria’s Armed Forces Act 2004 still enforces a British-era retirement clause requiring officers and soldiers to leave service after 35 years or upon reaching 60.
He insisted that the country can no longer afford a shrinking military at a time of widespread insurgency and kidnapping across multiple regions.
Akinyemi pointed to historical precedents where the same rule was paused to meet wartime pressures. He noted that during the Second World War, Britain temporarily set aside the provisions to reinforce troop numbers, and that Nigeria relaxed them again during the Civil War to sustain national defence.
He stated that the present climate mirrors those moments of urgency.
“The nation again finds itself in a situation that requires exceptional measures,” he said. “Nigeria urgently needs a strengthened military presence to confront escalating insecurity and safeguard our sovereignty.”
As part of the proposed overhaul, Akinyemi urged Tinubu to immediately suspend the retirement requirements and recall all officers and soldiers who left the service within the past six months.
He added that this should be paired with a nationwide, large-scale recruitment programme designed to ensure every state and region is properly garrisoned and capable of deterring attacks. He described this as essential for restoring stability, territorial control and public confidence.
His recommendations extend beyond force size. Akinyemi called for the declaration of a nationwide state of emergency that would temporarily lift constitutional immunity for state governors.
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Under the plan, governors whose jurisdictions enable terrorists to operate freely could face legal scrutiny, and states overwhelmed by violent groups could be placed under temporary military administration until order is restored and civilians are protected.
The professor further urged the President to establish a military tribunal empowered to try terrorists and confirmed collaborators. He stated that where guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt, the tribunal should possess authority to impose the death penalty.
He condemned situations in which armed members of extremist networks attend social gatherings without challenge, warning that unchecked displays of power undermine national security.
“Our nation’s security demands decisive, coordinated, and courageous action,” he said, emphasising the need for unified federal response rather than fragmented efforts.
If enacted, the measures would represent one of the most significant shifts in Nigeria’s security framework in decades, blending emergency governance, expanded armed forces, intensified counter-terrorism prosecution and heightened accountability for state leadership.
Legal experts, civil society and security strategists are expected to debate the implications for federal authority, democratic safeguards, civil liberties, and the balance between human rights and national defence.
The presidency has not yet issued a response to the proposals, and public reaction is anticipated as policymakers evaluate the scale and impact of the ideas presented.
Professor Akinyemi holds a D.Phil from Oxford University and previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is widely recognised for commentary on defence, foreign policy and national security strategy.
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