Army expansion requires adequate funding, better welfare — Group

Mariam Abeeb

Following the announcement of expansion of the Nigerian Army by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a group known as Nigeria Citizen Watch For Good Governance has called for continued support for armed forces through adequate funding, modern equipment, attention to welfare and battle readiness.

It could be recalled that President Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel in a major move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the military’s operational effectiveness.

The Director of Communication of the group, Igwe Udeumanta while addressing pressmen in a media briefing in Abuja urged the National Assembly to ensure the welfare packages and entitlements of troops remain sacrosanct and competitive.

He emphasized the importance of community solidarity and vigilance in the fight against insecurity.

He explained that the initiative is seen as a game changer, boosting morale for troops and aligning with the constitution’s mandate for security.

The group urged the government to continue supporting the armed forces with adequate funding and resources to sustain the war against insecurity.

He described the decision to expand the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions and recruit 28,000 additional personnel as historic and strategic.

He added that the expansion aims to intensify the war against terrorism and crimes, redefining the nation’s security landscape.

The spokesperson emphasized that President Tinubu’s actions demonstrate the renewed hope agenda’s practical application in the security sector.

“We respectfully call for the commit for the continued and increased support for the armed forces through adequate funding, the deployment of modern cut edge cutting edge technological equipment, and the sustained attention to the welfare and battle readiness of our prisoner.

“We further call on the National Assembly to continue throwing its full legislative weight behind the emphasis, ensuring that the welfare packages and entitlement of our gallant troops remain sacrosanct and competitive. We need to emphasize here that the support in terms of funding that is supposed to go to our military and security forces must not be compromised by any reason,” he noted.

He mentioned that the expansion and mass recruitment are morale boosters for troops, showing the nation’s support and concrete action.

He praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Wibe Ibrahim Shuaibo, and Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Olatobosun Oluyede, adding that their professional vision and leadership have elevated the security architecture of the country.

Udeumanta acknowledged the international community’s admiration for Nigeria’s decisive leadership against terrorists.

According to him, the recent successful rescue of school children and their teachers is a testament to the operational efficiency of the security forces.