Nigeria’s security system is made up of several military and paramilitary agencies, each with its own role in maintaining national peace, safety, and defense. From protecting land borders to securing oil installations, these agencies work together to keep Nigeria safe.

In this 2025 guide, we list all the military and paramilitary bodies in Nigeria and explain what they do.

Military Agencies in Nigeria and Their Functions

1. Nigerian Army (NA)

Function:

• Protects Nigeria’s land borders.

• Fights insurgency and terrorism (e.g., Boko Haram).

• Provides peacekeeping troops to the UN and AU.

• Supports civilian authorities during national emergencies.

2. Nigerian Navy (NN)

Function:

• Guards Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime borders.

• Fights piracy, oil theft, and sea crimes.

• Protects offshore oil platforms and vessels.

• Conducts search and rescue missions at sea.

3. Nigerian Air Force (NAF)

Function:

• Provides air defense for Nigeria’s airspace.

• Offers air support to the Army and Navy during operations.

• Carries out aerial surveillance and reconnaissance.

• Assists in disaster relief, medical evacuation, and logistics.

4. Defence Headquarters (DHQ)

Function:

• Coordinates operations between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Develops national military strategies.

• Oversees joint task force missions and national defense policies.

5. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)

Function:

• Provides military intelligence to the armed forces.

• Handles surveillance and counterintelligence operations.

• Helps the government make defense-related decisions.

6. Nigerian Military Police (NMP)

Function:

• Maintains discipline among military personnel.

• Investigates crimes within the military.

• Escorts high-ranking officials and VIPs.

7. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)

Function:

• Trains future officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Offers academic and military education (B.Sc. degrees + tactical training).

8. Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC)

Function:

• Trains retired military personnel in entrepreneurship and skills.

• Prepares ex-servicemen for civilian life after retirement.

9. Armed Forces Command & Staff College (AFCSC)

Function:

• Provides professional military education to mid-level officers.

• Trains officers from other African countries.

10. National Defence College (NDC)

Function:

• Trains senior officers in strategy, leadership, and policy.

• Offers advanced security and national defense courses.

Paramilitary Agencies in Nigeria and Their Duties

1. Nigeria Police Force (NPF)

Function:

• Maintains law and order.

• Prevents and investigates crimes.

• Enforces national, state, and local laws.

• Operates special units like SARS and MOPOL.

2. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Function:

• Protects critical infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, power stations).

• Provides disaster response and crowd control.

• Guards schools and public spaces.

3. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

Function:

• Enforces traffic laws.

• Issues driver’s licenses and vehicle documents.

• Responds to road accidents and educates drivers.

4. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Function:

• Manages immigration and emigration.

• Issues passports and visas.

• Polices Nigeria’s borders.

• Detects and prevents illegal migration.

5. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

Function:

• Collects customs duties and taxes.

• Prevents smuggling at land, air, and sea borders.

• Monitors import/export activities.

6. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

Function:

• Fights against drug trafficking and abuse.

• Arrests and prosecutes drug offenders.

• Runs drug education and rehabilitation programs.

7. Federal Fire Service (FFS)

Function:

• Responds to fire emergencies.

• Conducts fire safety inspections.

• Trains the public on fire prevention.

8. State Security Service (SSS/DSS)

Function:

• Provides domestic intelligence and security.

• Prevents terrorism, sabotage, and subversion.

• Protects the President and other VIPs.

9. Nigerian Mobile Police Force (MOPOL)

Function:

• Handles riot control and civil unrest.

• Provides VIP and diplomatic protection.

• Supports anti-terror operations.

10. Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS)

Function:

• Protects forests and wildlife.

• Fights kidnappers and armed bandits in forested areas.

• Supports rural security and community policing.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s military and paramilitary forces play key roles in securing the nation. Whether it’s the Army on the battlefield, the DSS in intelligence, or FRSC officers on the road, each agency contributes uniquely to national stability.

If you’re interested in joining any of these agencies, it’s important to understand their duties and how they operate.