Senator Ali Ndume has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s plan to increase the Nigerian Army’s size by adding four divisions and recruiting 28,000 new soldiers. The Borno South representative believes expanding operations into Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City will bolster the nation’s defense.
While the senator supports the expansion, he warned that headcount alone cannot solve insecurity. He requested that the federal government provide each of the six geopolitical zones with at least five attack helicopters to offer air support for ground operations. Additionally, he emphasized the need for armored personnel carriers and mine-resistant vehicles within these new divisions.
Ndume summarized the requirements for military effectiveness as T.E.A.M., standing for Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation. He specifically highlighted that current soldiers are struggling with poor morale and inadequate compensation. He urged the administration to raise the minimum base salary for security personnel to the equivalent of $300, suggesting that borrowing to fund these upgrades is a necessary investment.
Finally, the lawmaker expressed appreciation for soldiers serving under Operation Hadin Kai and the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza. He specifically praised their efforts in rescuing over 460 hostages from insurgents to date.
