- Senator Ali Ndume endorses the expansion of the Nigerian Army, with an increase from eight to twelve divisions.
- The recruitment of 28,000 new personnel aims to bolster national security efforts.
- Ndume calls for enhanced military resources, including attack helicopters and special task forces.
- Improving the remuneration and morale of soldiers is crucial for effectiveness.
Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has expressed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu's recent decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to twelve. This strategic move is accompanied by a plan to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, a development that Ndume believes is essential for fortifying the nation's security framework and enhancing response efficiency.
The announcement was made public by the Federal Government on Thursday, which outlined the establishment of four new divisions located in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. Speaking on behalf of the President, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga characterized this initiative as a clear indication of Tinubu's commitment to equipping the Armed Forces in managing Nigeria's evolving security challenges and strengthening overall defense capabilities.
However, Senator Ndume emphasized that merely creating new divisions is not sufficient. In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, he urged the Federal Government to focus on procuring at least five attack helicopters for each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. He proposed the formation of Special Task Force Brigades within the newly established divisions to enhance operational efficiency.
“Each division should be outfitted with Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs), Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), and attack helicopters. It is imperative that every geopolitical zone has access to five attack helicopters for swift response operations, providing critical support to ground troops,” Ndume stated.
He further articulated that the effectiveness of military personnel hinges on what he referred to as TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation. “While it is positive that 28,000 additional troops are being enlisted, the focus should be on the quality and welfare of these soldiers. Their morale is significantly low,” he remarked.
Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to conduct an urgent review of military salaries, advocating for an increase so that basic compensation remains no less than the Naira equivalent of $300. “If necessary, the President should consider borrowing to ensure our Armed Forces are adequately equipped,” he concluded.
In recognition of the ongoing efforts, Ndume commended frontline troops for their persistence against insurgents, highlighting tangible successes in the North East region and beyond. He particularly praised members of Operation Hadin Kai, singling out the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza for their impressive rescue operations, which recently freed over 100 abductees, in addition to 360 others previously rescued from terrorists.
Why This Matters
This expansion and the accompanying support measures are vital for bolstering Nigeria's military readiness in the face of ongoing security threats.