Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu, a retired Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, has challenged the federal government’s schedule for launching four additional army divisions. He labeled the target for achieving combat readiness within a few months as impractical.
President Bola Tinubu recently announced the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, with new sites slated for Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. The government plans to recruit 28,000 personnel to support this growth by the end of the year. However, Shehu argued that a single standard division typically demands 15,000 to 20,000 troops, suggesting the new intake is far too small to distribute across four locations.
During an appearance on ARISE News, the retired officer noted that while establishing command headquarters is simple, building a combat-ready unit in less than half a year is nearly impossible. He advised the government to address equipment shortages and personnel gaps in existing units before attempting further expansion. Citing reports from Senator Ali Ndume regarding severe ammunition and budget deficits, Shehu emphasized that the military must prioritize strengthening current formations.
Furthermore, Shehu advocated for professional threat assessments rather than political influence when deciding where to place military assets. He also highlighted that troop morale depends on more than just salary increases; factors like proper medical care, updated protective gear, and structured leave rotations are essential for a healthy fighting force. He cautioned that ignoring these logistical realities to meet political goals would ultimately undermine the effectiveness of the armed forces.
