Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
President Tinubu recently approved the establishment of four new Army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City as part of efforts to enhance the military’s operational capacity in tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the expansion reflects the President’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces and improving the country’s defence capabilities.
Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, welcomed the initiative but insisted that increasing troop numbers alone would not guarantee success.
The lawmaker called on the Federal Government to complement the expansion by procuring at least five attack helicopters for each of the six geopolitical zones and establishing Special Task Force Brigades within the newly created divisions.
According to him, every division should be equipped with Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and attack helicopters to improve rapid response and provide air support for ground troops.
“It is good that 28,000 more personnel are being recruited, but it is not about numbers. It is about TEAM—Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation. These men need to be well taken care of because morale is very low,” Ndume said.
He also urged the Tinubu administration to immediately review the welfare and salaries of military personnel and other security operatives.
“The Federal Government should increase the remuneration of the Army and other security agencies. Their basic salary should not be less than the naira equivalent of $300. Even if we have to borrow, let the President borrow to properly equip our Armed Forces,” he added.
Ndume further praised troops fighting on the frontlines, saying their sustained operations have yielded encouraging results, particularly in the North-East.
He specifically commended soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai, especially the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, for rescuing more than 100 abductees in a recent operation, in addition to the 360 victims previously freed from terrorists.
Comments