Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.

The creation of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, announced last Thursday, is expected to improve military coordination and response time.

According to the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the approval “underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.”

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

“President Tinubu has said the increase in the number of military divisions from eight to 12 is to improve military coordination and response time.

“I want to add that each of the divisions should have a Special Task Force Brigade equipped with Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles (MRAPs), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and attack helicopters.

“Let each geopolitical zone have at least five attack helicopters for rapid response to any emergency security situation to provide adequate cover for ground troops.

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“For effectiveness, the Federal Government must also give consideration to what I call TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation.

“It is heartwarming to hear that President Tinubu has equally approved the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel.

“But it is not the number that really matters; it is TEAM.

“They need to be well remunerated. The morale of those in operation is very low. Apart from training and the adequate procurement of modern arms and ammunition, I urge the present administration to consider an urgent review of their remuneration.

“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 Mr President borrow to equip the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.”

The senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly further commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies on the front line for sustaining attacks on insurgents, which he noted are yielding visible results in the North-East and other regions.

Ndume also applauded the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, especially the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, for their recent rescue of more than 100 abductees, in addition to the 360 people earlier rescued from terrorist captivity.