By Maj. Gen. U.I. Mohammed (Rtd), mni
The Nigerian Armed Forces are currently engaged in multiple operations across the country to rid our nation of insurgents, kidnappers, bandits, secessionists, and other hostile elements bent on destabilizing our country. While many victories are being recorded, it is only natural that there are also setbacks, operational reversals, and occasional failures.
History reminds us of the grave consequences that can follow the collapse of a nation’s military. We all witnessed the fall of the Syrian Armed Forces, which led to the disintegration of the Assad regime. In Libya, the armed forces were overrun, Gaddafi fled the presidential palace, and was eventually captured and brutally executed. Saddam Hussein suffered a similar fate—after his military was subdued, he went into hiding, was later captured, humiliated, tried, and executed.
Few Nigerians fully comprehend the implications if our Armed Forces were ever defeated. The consequences of such a failure would be dire, widespread, and far-reaching. As someone who witnessed the collapse of Somalia firsthand in 1993, following the fall of Siad Barre, I saw a once stable country descend into lawlessness, where anarchy reigned, and the people suffered immensely.
If Nigeria’s military were ever defeated, the following catastrophic consequences are likely to unfold:
The President, Governors, Senators, and all public office holders—from federal to local levels—would lose their positions.
All government institutions and agencies would cease to function.
Criminals, insurgents, and violent groups would become de facto rulers.
Cities, towns, and critical infrastructure would fall into the hands of armed gangs.
Businesses would shut down due to insecurity, arson, and lawlessness.
Citizens—politicians, business leaders, professionals—would flee or seek refuge in IDP camps or neighbouring countries.
Schools, from primary to universities, would close indefinitely.
Banks and financial institutions would collapse; savings would be lost as the naira becomes worthless or unrecognized.
Basic services like electricity and water would vanish due to the breakdown of public utilities.
Property ownership would be rendered meaningless, as legal documents like Certificates of Occupancy would no longer hold value.
A brutal society would emerge—where might is right, jungle justice reigns, and the vulnerable suffer.
Cars, homes, and valuables would be forcefully taken over by criminals.
Women and children would suffer untold hardship, including rape and exploitation.
Armed gangs would control territories, dictating laws and meting out violence without accountability.
Correctional facilities would be breached; dangerous criminals would be unleashed into society.
Families would be torn apart—husbands, wives, and children separated or lost.
Prominent individuals would be stripped of their possessions; criminals would lay claim to their homes, cars, and even family members.
Hunger and famine would follow, as farms are abandoned and markets destroyed.
Drug abuse, gangsterism, and prostitution would become widespread.
Family life, social order, and human dignity would collapse.
These devastating scenarios are not presented to cause panic but to awaken our collective consciousness. Nigerians must support the Armed Forces and appreciate the weight of responsibility they carry. Our political leadership must do everything possible to empower and equip our military to fulfil its constitutional role of defending the nation from all enemies—foreign and domestic.
I do not believe that the Nigerian Armed Forces will be defeated. But I urge every citizen, every institution, and every leader to play their part. Let this be a call to patriotism, to unity, and to the unflinching resolve to end insecurity and preserve the future of our beloved country.
0 Comments