Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Board Room TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were four presentations made by the Subject Experts on, west Africa and Gulf Of Guinea, Nigeria, United Kingdom and Indian Sub- Continent.
The first presentation was made by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa And Gulf Of Guinea, his presentation Centred on how ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Pledge to Boost Regional Security. The Nation reported on 13 March 2025 that the Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, pledging to ensure the subregion’s safety and stability. The renewed vow came on the heels of the activation of ECOWAS’ 5,000-strong Standby Force, a significant move aimed at bolstering regional defense capabilities against adversaries. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, the chairman of the committee and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, stated that the three-day meeting aimed to enhance regional security and cooperation within the ECOWAS community. The gathering also sought to unify efforts in addressing the region’s security challenges. Gen. Musa said the ECOWAS Defence chiefs had identified some critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated their firm resolve towards addressing these threats. The CDS stated “Within the past days, we have deliberated over critical security concerns in the West African Sub Region. Some of these areas include the review of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Counter-terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force. Our deliberations have been fruitful, productive and would definitely lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen our collective efforts towards achieving a more secure and prosperous Community,”.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) pointed out that, Nigeria needs to remain committed to ECOWAS’ physical security apparatus for several strategic, economic, and geopolitical reasons. As the largest economy and most populous country in West Africa, Nigeria plays a crucial role in regional security and stability. Hence, she must stay engaged: Nigeria faces serious security threats from Boko Haram, ISWA, and banditry in the Northern region. And ECOWAS security cooperation helps to combat cross-border terrorism, arms smuggling and organized crime. Regional intelligence-sharing equally strengthens Nigeria’s fight against insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin. Nigeria shares borders with some ECOWAS countries. Cross-border crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal arms trade usually threaten internal stability. In this regard, ECOWAS’ Early Warning and Response Mechanism (ECOWARN) helps to detect security threats before they escalate.
Nigeria benefits from free trade within ECOWAS, as it exports goods and services to neighbouring countries. This means that security instability in the region could have adverse effects on economic growth, foreign investment, and trade routes. Nigeria is seen as ECOWAS’ “big brother” and must maintain its leadership role in shaping West African policies. A strong ECOWAS security framework ensures that Nigeria has diplomatic leverage in regional affairs. In realization of this ideal, during the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu emphasized the need for member states to provide substantial financial resources to operationalize the ESF. Historically, Nigeria has shouldered substantial financial and logistical responsibilities in ECOWAS military interventions, such as those conducted by the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). While Nigeria continues to play a pivotal role in supporting ECOWAS’s physical security apparatus, the exact fulfilment of its financial pledges remains undisclosed. However, experts have raised concerns about the sustainability of such funding models, cautioning against scenarios where Nigeria might disproportionately bear the financial burden of ECOWAS security initiatives.
He recommended that, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should use all diplomatic avenues to ensure that other ECOWAS member states fulfil their pledge to the establishment of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Similarly, the second presentation was made by Maj Gen UN Babangida subject expert on Nigeria, his presentation discussed on how, Tinubu Appoints Vice Admiral Ibas as Administrator for Rivers. President Bola Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator in Rivers State amid political tension. Ibas was Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021. Aside from the governor and his deputy, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were also suspended. The declaration did not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which continues to function in accordance with constitutional mandate. “The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.” The declaration was linked to several months of political tension in Rivers State. The crisis was said to have led to the destruction of oil facilities in Rivers by political hoodlums. The intervention is expected to help restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Maj Gen UN Babangida stressed out that, President Tinubu’s appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as Rivers State administrator underscores federal intervention in political crises. Political instability in Rivers State resulted in economic sabotage, including oil pipeline destruction. Governance must align with constitutional provisions to prevent political actors from threatening national security and economic stability. Suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and entire House of Assembly raises concerns about democratic governance. Federal intervention sets a precedent that could undermine State autonomy. Strengthening institutional frameworks at the State level is essential to prevent further escalation of political disputes. Appointment of a retired military officer as administrator signals security prioritization. However, it has potential risks of militarizing civil governance in political crisis management. Nevertheless, the judiciary’s role should be reinforced to ensure adherence to legal and constitutional processes.Destruction of oil pipelines occasioned by the political tension highlights the economic consequences of political conflicts.
The pipeline destruction have been estimated to cost Nigeria $35.3m loss daily, thereby worsen revenue generation.Leaders must prioritize and respect dialogue and consensus-building over power struggles in resolving political crisis.Strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a culture of peaceful dispute resolution is crucial for national progress.
He recommended that, The Federal Ministry of Justice should strengthen institutional mechanisms for conflict resolution to prevent political disputes from escalating into crises that necessitate federal intervention.
Equally, the third presentation was made by Maj Gen MT Jinadu subject expert on United Kingdom, his presentation Centred on ADHD Misinformation on Tiktok is Widespread and Affecting Young People -New Study. The Independent News reported on 19 March 2025 that a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia reveals that misinformation about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is prevalent on TikTok and is influencing young people’s perceptions of the condition. An analysis of the top 100 most-viewed ADHD videos on the platform found that fewer than half of the claims aligned with clinical guidelines for diagnosis. Researchers warned that frequent exposure to ADHD-related content can lead young adults to overestimate the prevalence and severity of symptoms. Many TikTok creators share personal experiences without clarifying that their symptoms may not be universally applicable, leading to potential misinterpretations. The study, published in PLOS One, involved 2,843 undergraduate psychology students, including individuals with both self-diagnosed and formally diagnosed ADHD. Findings indicated that those who consumed more ADHD-related content were more likely to trust and recommend the videos, despite their questionable accuracy. The researchers emphasized that while social media can foster awareness and reduce stigma, the platform’s algorithm, designed to maximize user engagement, may reinforce misinformation through confirmation bias and the echo chamber effect.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Maj Gen MT Jinadu noted that, The rise of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has transformed the way individuals consume and create content. In Nigeria, concerns have emerged regarding the influence of such platforms on societal values, with debates focusing on a perceived decline in moral standards among the youth. TikTok is a social media platform primarily used for creating, sharing, and discovering short videos. It was launched in 2016 by the Chinese technology company ByteDance and gained global popularity after merging with Musical.ly in 2018. Globally, TikTok reached 1.6 billion monthly active users in 2023, with Asia-Pacific being the largest region for users (Business of Apps, 2024). TikTok’s advertising reach was equivalent to 20.8% of adults aged 18 and above, and 23.1% of the local internet user base, regardless of age (DataReportal, 2024). With its short-form video content and rapid-fire delivery, TikTok caters to and potentially exacerbates ADHD symptoms.
The platform’s design encourages quick consumption of content, often leading to reduced attention spans and a preference for immediate gratification. This situation can be particularly appealing to individuals with ADHD, as it aligns with their cognitive patterns. A report by Blueprint Nigeria highlighted how platforms like TikTok have become vehicles for spreading inappropriate content, undermining the foundation of moral values in Nigerian society (Blueprint Nigeria, 2023).Thus, the influence of TikTok extends beyond individual behavior, affecting various aspects of Nigerian society. Families face challenges as parents struggle to guide children influenced by the platform’s content, leading to intergenerational conflicts and a weakening of familial bonds.
He recommended that, The National Information Technology Development Agency should enforce stricter digital content regulations and mandate age-appropriate content filtering on TikTok.
Lastly the four presentation was made by Maj Gen JD Omali subject expert Indian Sub- Continent his presentation focused on, The Aftermath of the Delimitation Meeting Hosted by Tamil Nadu and Stalin in Chennai. On 22 March 2025, Indian Express reported on the aftermath of the meeting convened by Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, an all-opposition party meeting in Chennai to address concerns regarding the upcoming parliamentary constituency delimitation scheduled for 2026. The assembly, which included opposition leaders from six states with major political parties such as the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, and Left parties, unanimously opposed the delimitation process based solely on current population figures. They argued that this approach would unfairly reduce representation for states like Tamil Nadu, which have successfully implemented population control measures. The meeting concluded with a resolution urging the Union government to extend the existing freeze on delimitation, based on the 1971 Census, for an additional 30 years beyond 2026. Chief Minister Stalin emphasized that using updated population data for delimitation would penalize states that have effectively managed population growth, thereby threatening the federal structure of India.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Maj Gen JD Omali pointed out that, In Nigeria, the democratic framework is built upon the separation of powers among three distinct arms of government: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. These branches are designed to operate independently yet collaboratively ensuring that power is balanced and no single branch becomes omnipotent. This system is vital for fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance. Despite this framework, Nigeria’s democracy faces significant challenges, as evidenced by recent political crises across various states. For instance, on 6 March 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio denied the allegations, and Akpoti-Uduaghan was subsequently suspended for six months due to unrelated disruptive behavior. The incident has brought to the forefront issues of gender inequality and the challenges women face in Nigerian politics, where female representation remains significantly low. Another issue of national concern occur on 18 March 2025 when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, an oil-rich region in the Niger Delta, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers. This unprecedented move was prompted by escalating political tensions and pipeline vandalism that the president stated threatened national economic interests. Subsequently, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator for an initial six-month period, with the judiciary remaining functional during this time. The political crisis in Rivers State stemmed from a rift between Governor Fubara, state lawmakers, and the former Governor, the current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who both accused the present Governor of illegal budget presentations and issues related to legislative composition.
This discord culminated in attempts to impeach the Governor, further destabilizing the state’s governance. The National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule has been met with criticism. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso argued that this decision undermines Nigeria’s democracy, suggesting that such measures should be a last resort and not a tool for political maneuvering. Similarly, The Nigerian Bar Association condemned it as illegal, asserting that an emergency does not dissolve elected governments. The Coalition of United Political Parties also labeled it a “democratic coup” and a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution.
He recommended that, The National Assembly should promote equitable representation, strengthen political unity, and enhance regional collaboration to uphold democracy.
