Former Chief of Naval Staff Omatsola Warns Nigeria Must Be Cautious as Problems Mount

​Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), has voiced concerns about Nigeria’s current trajectory, warning that without decisive action to reinforce discipline, national unity and security, the country’s challenges could intensify.

Omatsola made the remarks during a series of events organized by the Nigerian Navy School (NNS) Delta to commemorate the navy’s 70th anniversary. He reflected on the Armed Forces’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s cohesion and stability.

The retired naval chief reiterated that the Armed Forces are the “keystone” of Nigeria’s unity, emphasizing that the nation cannot afford to take its security institutions for granted.

“Today is a special day for the Navy. The Navy and the Armed Forces, I believe from my experiences, are the keystone to Nigeria’s unity,” he said.

Expressing alarm at the country’s current state, Omatsola warned: “Things are going very wrong in the country. If we are not careful, it will be worse.”

He urged the military, paramilitary agencies and other security bodies to remain steadfast in their constitutional duties, noting that rising insecurity and public fear are driving demands for a stronger security presence in communities.

Omatsola attributed many of Nigeria’s problems to a decline in discipline, arguing that discipline is the foundation of effective leadership and nation‑building.

“Discipline has always been missing. If I am not disciplined, I cannot discipline my wife, I cannot discipline my family,” he said.

He cautioned against crafting policies or laws out of fear, stating that decisions made in panic often fail to address underlying societal issues.

“You cannot do anything through fear. If you make any law through fear, the law will not hold. You must not be afraid when you are making a law,” he added.

The retired officer called on Nigerians to adopt discipline, patriotism and collective responsibility to protect the country’s unity and avert further deterioration of the security situation.

The Nigerian Navy is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary with a series of activities that highlight its contributions to national security, maritime safety and the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.