Service chiefs and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, lamented poor funding of security agencies, saying the development was impacting capacity of the military to deal effectively with the existential threats confronting the country.

They raised the concerns while appearing before the House of Representatives to brief the lawmakers on their activities and efforts at combating the rising security challenges across the federation.

Their appearance signalled commencement of sectoral debates by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), organised by the lower legislative chamber.

The security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and the IGP, were ushered into the Green Chamber around 11:26am.

Last week, the legislators turned back representatives of the service chiefs during plenary.

But the CDS, in his speech, explained that their absence was due to assignment outside Abuja

He said: “We were out of Abuja and felt that since an invitation had been extended, our Chief of Operations should attend. It was not deliberate, and we apologise for that, and thank you for the opportunity for us to interact with you.”

While requesting improved funding amid his revelation that every military man, including himself is fed with N1,500 daily, Musa sought collaboration with the judiciary for criminals not to be freed on technicalities, as well as the establishment of special courts for high-profile cases.

He said the development endangered security personnel, adding that Simon Ekpa was a threat to the country, and as such, action must be taken diplomatically.

On illegal mining, the CDS advised states to take charge for proper management.

The IGP listed some challenges confronting the force to include dismal logistics, insufficient patrol vehicles, inadequate training and poor welfare.

Also speaking, Abubakar deplored the threats posed by terrorists in the North, banditry and kidnapping across the federation, as well as the IPOB/ESN and oil theft problems in the Southeast and South-South geo-political zones.

While assuring that the Nigerian Air Force was executing seven theatres of operations nationwide, he sought assistance of the legislators for procurement of Jet A-1 and operational licence for the force to independently import aviation fuel.

On his part, Ogala requested intervention of the National Assembly to enhance surveillance of backwaters, creeks and the coastline with a view to effectively tackling oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining,

Earlier, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas restated that proxy representation would not be entertained by the House, stating that the lawmakers made a conscious decision to commence the sectoral debates with the security sector given that it is prioritised in the 10th House legislative agenda.

He noted that the briefings would afford members the opportunity to scrutinise policies, activities and plans of the MDAs.