Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel, describing the move as a strategic response to the country’s security challenges.
Lawan, a former Senate President, said the decision demonstrated the President’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and improve the military’s operational capacity to tackle insurgency, banditry and other forms of insecurity.
In a statement on Thursday, the Yobe North senator said the timing of the initiative was significant, given the evolving nature of security threats confronting the country.
He noted that modern asymmetric warfare requires not only superior equipment but also increased manpower, wider operational coverage and greater tactical flexibility.
According to him, the creation of additional Army Divisions would enhance the military’s presence across the country, reduce response time to emerging threats and improve security operations in previously underserved and ungoverned areas.
“The expansion of the Nigerian Army reflects strategic foresight and underscores the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief to building a more effective fighting force capable of confronting the nation’s security challenges,” he said.
Lawan also said the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians would reinforce the Army with a new generation of trained personnel while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for the country’s youth.
He argued that engaging young people in productive national service would help reduce their vulnerability to crime, violent extremism and other social vices.
The senator described the initiative as a major boost to the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to restoring security and promoting national stability.
He expressed confidence that the reform would significantly improve the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and contribute to ongoing efforts to secure lives and property across the country.
Lawan prayed for the continued success of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and wished the country lasting peace and stability.