Security Boost: Ndume Hails Tinubu, Seeks Helicopters, Higher Military Salaries

Former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The new divisions, to be located in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, are expected to improve military coordination and response time. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and enhance national defence.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Ndume urged the Federal Government to complement the expansion by procuring at least five attack helicopters for each of the six geopolitical zones. He also recommended that every division should have a Special Task Force Brigade equipped with Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other modern military equipment to strengthen rapid response operations.
The lawmaker stressed that military effectiveness depends on what he described as “TEAM”—Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation. While commending the recruitment of additional personnel, he called for an urgent review of the salaries and welfare of military personnel, saying improved remuneration, modern weapons and adequate training would significantly boost morale and operational efficiency. Ndume also applauded troops of Operation Hadin Kai, particularly the 82 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, for rescuing over 100 abductees in a recent operation, in addition to the 360 victims earlier freed from terrorist captivity.