Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, describing the move as a positive step toward improving the nation’s security.
The senator, who represents Borno South, said increasing the Army’s strength would enhance Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s ability to respond swiftly to threats across the country.
The Federal Government recently announced the creation of four new Army divisions to be located in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. According to Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the decision reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces and improving national defence against evolving security challenges.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Ndume welcomed the initiative but stressed that expanding the Army alone would not be enough to address the country’s security concerns.
He urged the Federal Government to equip each of the new divisions with Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and attack helicopters. He also recommended the establishment of Special Task Force Brigades within the new formations.
According to the senator, each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones should have at least five attack helicopters to provide rapid response and air support for troops engaged in combat operations.
Ndume also emphasized that the military’s effectiveness depends on what he described as the TEAM principle—Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation.
While commending the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers, he argued that the welfare of military personnel remains a critical issue, noting that low morale continues to affect troops.
He called on the Tinubu administration to review the salaries and benefits of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, suggesting that soldiers should earn a minimum monthly salary equivalent to $300 in naira.
Ndume further stated that if additional funding is required, the government should consider borrowing to adequately equip the military in the interest of national security.
The Borno South lawmaker also praised troops fighting insurgency across the country, particularly those involved in Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East. He commended the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza for recently rescuing more than 100 kidnapped victims, in addition to over 360 others previously freed from terrorist captivity.
He maintained that while the military has recorded encouraging successes against insurgents, sustained investment in personnel welfare, training, and modern equipment is essential to achieving lasting security in Nigeria.
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