Northern senators back army expansion after Benue, Kaduna killings

The Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the recent spate of killings in Benue and Kaduna states, calling the attacks tragic and demanding intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible. The forum also voiced its support for the Federal Government's security initiatives, including the planned expansion of the Nigerian Army and the recruitment of additional personnel.

Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the forum, issued a condolence message following separate attacks that claimed dozens of lives and displaced numerous families. In Benue, gunmen reportedly killed 13 people in Efeyi Community, while in Kaduna, suspected attackers invaded Naridon Village, killing approximately 30 people and razing several homes.

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The forum also welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening national security.

The forum expressed solidarity with the affected states and welcomed the government's renewed commitment to national security. They specifically noted President Bola Tinubu's approval for expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruiting 28,000 new personnel. The senators believe this expansion will decentralize military command, bolster border security, and improve response times to emerging threats.

However, Yar’Adua emphasized that the planned expansion must be accompanied by sufficient equipment, logistics, and improved welfare for military personnel to ensure the effectiveness of the new formations. The senators also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence and called on the government to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings, while ensuring adequate support for victims and displaced persons.

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We note that this expansion is a timely step that provides more strategic coverage and operational support across the country, and helps restore public confidence.