Governors, Security Experts Back Army Division Expansion, Demand Intelligence-led War on Insecurity

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its divisions from eight to 12 and authorizing the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel. This move is seen as a crucial measure to combat the nation's escalating insecurity. Governors, traditional leaders, and security experts have broadly endorsed the decision, viewing it as a substantial step toward stabilizing the country. However, they also stressed the need for greater investment in intelligence gathering, advanced technology, and modern military equipment to ensure the effectiveness of these expanded forces.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in national security. He called for stronger partnerships between the armed forces and corporations, arguing that such collaborations are vital for enhancing operational efficiency, improving the welfare of military personnel, and accelerating overall national development. This initiative aims to bolster the army's capacity to address a range of threats more effectively, safeguarding lives, property, and Nigeria's territorial integrity.

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We wholeheartedly welcome this development, including the president’s approval for the Army to hire 28,000 new personnel and acquire more critical military assets. We are confident that this initiative will enhance the government’s counterterrorism and anti-banditry efforts.

In a related operation, troops from Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai, working with the Yobe State Hunters Group, apprehended five suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons in Jegalari Village, Yobe State. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to counter criminal activities across the country. The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) lauded the expansion, with Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, calling it the largest single expansion of the Nigerian Army in modern history. The governors pledged their continued support and collaboration with the president on security matters and national development, urging citizens to provide timely information to security agencies.

The Emir of Ilorin and chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council also commented on the development, though his full statement was not detailed in the provided text. The overall sentiment from key stakeholders is one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the significance of the army's expansion while underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive, intelligence-led approach to tackling insecurity.

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The Forum again urges citizens to continue to support government and security forces to strengthen security in every part of the country, including giving timely information to the security agencies.