Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung has said the public often misunderstands how Nigerian soldiers respond to security threats, stressing that military personnel operate under a strict command structure.
Speaking during an interview with SYMFONI TV on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Dalung explained that soldiers are trained to confront danger but must act only on orders from their commanders.
“If you know the psychology of a Nigerian soldier, if a Nigerian soldier hears the sound of gun here, he’s not going to leave this place until that gun is produced. That is his training,” he said.
Dalung noted that, unlike police officers, soldiers have limited discretion during operations and are required to follow directives before taking action, even when attacks occur nearby. He said this often leads the public to wrongly assume that troops are unwilling to respond.
The former minister praised the professionalism of the Nigerian military, saying it has demonstrated its capability to execute difficult operations when given the necessary directives and support. He added that stronger coordination between political leaders and security agencies, along with timely decisions and effective deployment of personnel, would improve Nigeria’s response to insecurity and better protect lives and property.
