The Northern Senators Forum has voiced its support for President Bola Tinubu’s plan to grow the Nigerian Army. The group views the move as a necessary step to combat the nation’s deteriorating security situation.
Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, chairman of the forum, stated that adding four new divisions—bringing the total to 12—and enlisting 28,000 more soldiers will improve the army’s reach. The presidency noted that this strategy aims to decentralize command structures, tighten border controls, and allow for faster reactions to security threats.
While the senators believe this initiative will help rebuild public trust, they highlighted the importance of proper funding, logistics, and equipment. They argued that soldiers must be well-supported to succeed. The forum also used the opportunity to address recent violence, specifically the killings in Benue and Kaduna states that resulted in 43 deaths and mass displacement. In response, they called for the perpetrators to be captured, urged civilians to assist security forces with information, and emphasized that long-term stability requires better intelligence and consistent investment in the military.
