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Military expansion will improve response to insecurity, protect churches — Cleric

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Nigerian cleric has praised President Bola Tinubu's expansion of the armed forces, stating it will improve security responses and protect vulnerable locations.
  • The military expansion includes recruiting 28,000 soldiers and increasing army divisions to tackle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
  • The cleric urged citizens to engage in nation-building through lawful conduct and responsible civic engagement, emphasizing competence and character in leadership.

Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, Founder of The New Seraph Evangelical Ministries Worldwide, has commended President Bola Tinubu's decision to expand Nigeria's Armed Forces, asserting the move will bolster the nation's response to security threats and enhance protection for churches, schools, and other vulnerable sites.

We recognise ongoing efforts by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the strengthening and expansion of the Armed Forces divisions aimed at improving response time and enhancing national security.

— Dr Oluwaseye Yomi-SholoyeThe cleric acknowledged the government's efforts in expanding the armed forces.

President Tinubu approved a significant military expansion in July 2026, which involves enlisting an additional 28,000 soldiers and increasing the Nigerian Army's divisions from eight to 12. This initiative is part of broader efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.

We believe that such strategic measures will contribute significantly to reducing threats such as banditry, violent attacks and invasions of worship centres, thereby restoring confidence and safety across communities.

— Dr Oluwaseye Yomi-SholoyeThe cleric expressed confidence that the military expansion would improve security.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Yomi-Sholoye stated that the expansion would strengthen national security and help curb attacks on communities and places of worship. "We believe that such strategic measures will contribute significantly to reducing threats such as banditry, violent attacks and invasions of worship centres, thereby restoring confidence and safety across communities," she said.

At a time like this in our national journey, when our country continues to navigate economic, social and security challenges, the need for divine intervention, unity and collective responsibility cannot be overemphasised.

— Dr Oluwaseye Yomi-SholoyeThe cleric highlighted the importance of divine intervention and collective responsibility amidst national challenges.

The cleric emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, requiring both divine intervention and collective responsibility. She urged citizens to actively participate in nation-building through lawful conduct, prayers, and responsible civic engagement, especially in light of the country's economic, social, and security challenges. Yomi-Sholoye also advised voters to elect leaders based on competence and character, not financial inducements, stating, "The season of empty promises is over. Show us your works."

The season of empty promises is over. Show us your works. Be instruments of breakthrough. Use your influence to bless the nation, not just yourselves. Unite for Nigeria. Give our youths a future to believe in.

— Dr Oluwaseye Yomi-SholoyeThe cleric urged leaders to focus on tangible actions and national development.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.