Ndume commends Tinubu’s army expansion, demands modern weapons, better pay for troops

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, 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 to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

 

The federal government last Thursday approved the establishment of four new army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin city to improve military coordination and response time.

 

Reacting to the development n a statement on Saturday, Ndume urged the president to complement the expansion by procuring at least five attack helicopters for each of the country’s six geopolitical zones.

 

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

 

 

“I will 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 zones have at least 5 attack helicopters for rapid response to any emergency security situation to give adequate cover to the ground troops.

 

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

 

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“It is heartwarming to hear that President Tinubu has equally given approval for recruitment of additional 28,000 personnel. But it is not the number that really matters but TEAM.”

 

Ndume said improving troop welfare was critical to boosting the morale and effectiveness of personnel fighting insurgency and other security threats.

 

“They need to be well remunerated. The morale of those in operation is very low,” he added.

 

“Apart from training and adequate procurement of modern arms and ammunition, I urge the present administration to consider 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 $300 equivalent. Even if we have to borrow, let Mr. President borrow to equip the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security forces.”

 

The lawmaker also commended the army and other security agencies for sustaining operations against insurgents, saying the offensive was producing visible results in the north-east and other parts of the country.

 

Ndume specifically praised troops of Operation Hadin Kai, particularly the 82 task force brigade in Gwoza, for rescuing more than 100 abductees in a recent operation in addition to the 360 persons earlier freed from terrorist captivity.

Source: TheCable