Senator Ali Ndume has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the move will boost the country’s ability to tackle growing security threats.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, described the creation of four new army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City as a positive development that would strengthen military operations across the country.
However, the lawmaker warned that increasing the number of divisions alone would not address Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the need for improved equipment, training and welfare for personnel.
He called on the Federal Government to provide at least five attack helicopters for each of the six geopolitical zones to enhance rapid response and support ground troops during operations.
“Each division should be equipped with MRAPs, APCs and attack helicopters. Let every geopolitical zone have at least five attack helicopters for rapid response to give cover to ground troops,” Ndume said.
The senator also proposed the establishment of Special Task Force Brigades within the newly created divisions, adding that the effectiveness of the military depends on what he described as TEAM — Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation.
According to him, the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers should be matched with adequate resources and improved conditions of service.
“It is good that 28,000 more personnel are being recruited. But it is not about numbers. It is about TEAM. These men need to be well taken care of. Morale is very low,” he stated.
Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to increase the salaries and allowances of soldiers and other security personnel, arguing that better welfare would improve commitment and morale among troops.
“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 equip our Armed Forces,” he added.
The lawmaker also commended Nigerian troops, especially those operating under Operation Hadin Kai and the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, for their recent successes against insurgents.
He praised the troops for rescuing more than 100 kidnapped victims, adding that the operation brought the total number of people rescued by the unit to over 360.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.