Governors, traditional rulers and security experts have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, describing the move as a major boost to the country’s fight against insecurity.
The stakeholders, however, stressed the need for increased investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and modern military capabilities to effectively tackle terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
The endorsement came as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, called for stronger collaboration between the Armed Forces and the private sector, saying increased corporate investment in defence infrastructure and personnel welfare would strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), working alongside the Yobe State Hunters Group, arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Jegalari Village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
President Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and improve the military’s capacity to respond to emerging threats.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the approval reflected the administration’s commitment to building a more responsive and better-equipped military capable of protecting lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) commended the President for approving the establishment of four additional Army divisions.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as the largest expansion of the Nigerian Army in modern history.
He said the creation of the new divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel and the planned acquisition of military assets, demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security.
“We wholeheartedly welcome this development, including the President’s approval for the Army to recruit 28,000 new personnel and acquire additional critical military assets. We are confident that this initiative will further strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations,” the governors said.
The forum also pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government in addressing security challenges and advancing national development.
Separately, Lieutenant General Shaibu reiterated the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s defence sector, noting that sustained investment in military infrastructure, technology and personnel welfare would enhance the Armed Forces’ operational readiness.
In Yobe State, Operation Hadin Kai troops recorded another operational success after arresting five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated intelligence-led raid in Fune Local Government Area.
Security sources said the operation led to the recovery of weapons and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities, while investigations into the suspects’ alleged involvement in kidnapping and related offences are ongoing.
The latest developments come as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through military expansion, enhanced intelligence operations and closer collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders.
