Senator Ndume Backs Army Expansion, Demands Better Pay and Equipment for Troops

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu's decision to expand the Nigerian Army. The expansion includes establishing four new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, increasing the army's total divisions from eight to 12, and recruiting an additional 28,000 personnel.

“

underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and to strengthen national defence capabilities.

Ndume views this move as a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria's security architecture and enhancing response times to evolving challenges. He stated that the expansion "underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and to strengthen national defence capabilities."

However, Ndume stressed that creating new divisions is insufficient on its own. He called for enhanced military capabilities, including the procurement of at least five attack helicopters for each of the six geopolitical zones and the establishment of Special Task Force Brigades within the new divisions. He argued that each division should be equipped with Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), and attack helicopters for rapid response and ground troop support.

“

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.

The senator highlighted the importance of what he termed TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation. He noted that while the recruitment of 28,000 personnel is positive, troop morale is currently low, and their well-being is paramount. Ndume urged the Federal Government to urgently review and increase the remuneration for soldiers and other security personnel, suggesting a basic salary equivalent to $300 USD, even if it requires borrowing.

“

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.

Ndume also commended the troops for their ongoing efforts against insurgents, citing visible successes in the North East and other regions. He specifically praised the 82 Task Force Brigade of Operation Hadin Kai in Gwoza for recently rescuing over 100 abductees, in addition to 360 previously freed from terrorists.

“

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.