Ndume Praises Tinubu For Expanding Army Divisions, Calls For Enhanced Pay For Soldiers

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, alongside the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel, aimed at bolstering the nation’s security framework.

The establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, announced last Thursday, is intended to enhance military coordination and response times. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, this approval “underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to effectively tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and to further strengthen national defence capabilities.”

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the federal lawmaker suggested that, in addition to the creation of four new military divisions, President Tinubu should allocate resources for the procurement of at least five attack helicopters in each of the six geopolitical zones across the country.

“President Tinubu has stated that increasing the number of military divisions from eight to twelve will improve military coordination and response times,” Ndume remarked. “I would like to add that each division should have a Special Task Force Brigade equipped with Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles (MRAPs), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and attack helicopters.”

He continued, “Each geopolitical zone should have at least five attack helicopters for rapid response to any emergency security situation, ensuring adequate support for ground troops. For effectiveness, the federal government must consider what I term TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation.”

“It is encouraging to learn that President Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel. However, it is not merely the number that matters, but TEAM. They need to be adequately compensated. The morale of those in operations is very low. Beyond training and the procurement of modern arms and ammunition, I urge the current administration to undertake an urgent review of their remuneration.”

Ndume further advocated for an increase in the salaries of the Army and other security agencies, suggesting that their basic salary should not be less than 300,000 Naira. “Even if borrowing is necessary, let the President borrow to equip the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security forces.”

The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly also commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies on the front lines for their sustained efforts against insurgents, noting that these efforts are yielding visible results in the North East and other regions.

Ndume applauded the men of the Operation Hadin Kai Theatre, particularly the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, for their recent successful rescue of over 100 abductees, in addition to the 360 previously rescued from the clutches of terrorists.