A retired Nigerian military officer, Captain Olasunkanmi Ishola, has issued a strong call for the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the welfare of military and paramilitary personnel across the country.
Speaking on the current affairs programme Inside Scoop on Adamimogo FM, Ishola voiced deep concern over the deteriorating conditions of service members, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.
He explained that many of these personnel, despite working under harsh and dangerous conditions to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty live in substandard conditions, with little support for their physical and mental wellbeing.
Ishola’s call comes in the wake of the federal government’s grand gestures toward the victorious Super Falcons, who recently received $100,000 each, three-bedroom homes, and national honors. While commending the recognition given to the female athletes, Ishola urged government officials to reflect similar goodwill toward security forces whose daily work ensures the safety that allows national life including sports to thrive.
“You can only watch or play football when your country is at peace,” he said. “It’s not about condemning what was done for the Super Falcons, it’s about broadening that sense of gratitude to those who put their lives on the line daily.”
He painted a bleak picture of barracks life across the country and spoke of the psychological toll sustained by officers who serve with little assurance that their families are safe or provided for in their absence.
According to him, the barracks are in poor condition, and many soldiers are forced to live outside official housing without proper support structures.
“A lot of them are frustrated, staying on in service only because they don’t see an alternative. When your welfare system fails to meet basic standards, you create a demoralized force,” Ishola noted.
Referencing ongoing protests by retired military personnel in Abuja over unpaid benefits, he said such scenes were demoralizing for both current and former service members.
He pointed out that soldiers who spend decades in service often retire into poverty, a situation that undermines morale and security.
“You cannot train or expect peak performance from someone who’s worried about their child’s hospital bills or who doesn’t know if their family is safe at home,” Ishola said. “Even with the best training in the world, a distracted soldier cannot be fully effective.”
While acknowledging efforts by the government to improve conditions through ongoing reforms, he argued that far more urgency was needed. “This isn’t just about gratitude, it’s about national survival. Declaring a state of emergency on security welfare is overdue. The ripple effect of neglect is already showing.”
On corruption within the system, Ishola admitted that the military is not exempt from the wider rot in Nigeria’s institutions. However, he maintained that corruption must be fought on all fronts, internally and systemically, by individuals and leadership alike.
Beyond military matters, Ishola also commented on the political developments within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He warned that if the party hopes to become a viable opposition in the 2027 elections, it must first ensure its internal stability.
“The ADC must stop getting distracted by external accusations and focus on its manifesto. They need to earn Nigerians’ trust, which is already strained by past disappointments from both ruling and opposition parties,” he said.
Reacting to recent statements by ADC founding chairman Ralph Nwosu, who accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to infiltrate the ADC by offering political appointments, Ishola said such claims are not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, he stressed the need for concrete evidence to back such allegations.
He also noted that a viable opposition is a critical part of any democracy, and if the ADC can effectively present itself as a credible alternative, particularly by focusing on the needs of ordinary Nigerians, it could indeed unsettle the current political balance.
On the rumored coalition between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi under the ADC platform, Ishola said such a union could present a formidable challenge to the APC. Still, he expressed skepticism over the possibility of both men setting aside personal ambition for the greater good.
“In politics, interest often overrides collective vision. What Nigerians want is substance, clear plans, proven character, and real results. That’s where the focus should be.”
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, Ishola said the stakes are high. But for him, politics aside, the most urgent concern is national security.
“Without peace and stability, none of this political talk matters. And you can’t have peace without properly taking care of the people who protect it.”
Captain Olasunkanmi Ishola (Rtd) hails from Afijio LGA of Oyo state, An alumnus of University of Lagos. He is a distinguished and accomplished professional with an vast background in military service and leadership with an unblemished service in the Nigerian Army, he earned prestigious military decorations, including the General Operations Medal, Golden Jubilee Medal and Centenary Medal.
In recognition of his participation in several combat operations and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, He is a security and risk management expert and Public affairs analyst. He is a certified Professional Security manager.
