The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expansion of the Nigerian Army, describing the creation of four new divisions and additional brigades as a landmark step towards reclaiming the country from terrorists, bandits and other armed criminal groups.
The rights group also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for ordering proactive military operations to thwart planned attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the North-East, saying the swift response to intelligence supplied by the Department of State Services (DSS) demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the recent military initiatives signal a renewed determination to confront the country’s worsening security challenges and restore public confidence in the nation’s defence architecture.
The association described the Army’s expansion as one of the most significant reforms in its history, arguing that the additional divisions and brigades would strengthen command and control, improve force projection, enhance border security and enable faster deployment of troops to emerging conflict zones.
HURIWA also welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed upward review of the salaries and welfare packages of military personnel, saying better remuneration and improved welfare would boost troop morale, professionalism and operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The group further commended the appointment of General Officers Commanding for the newly established divisions, expressing confidence that the new formations would reinforce joint operations and improve security coverage in vulnerable parts of the country.
It also lauded the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to tighten security along humanitarian supply routes in Borno State, particularly the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala corridor, describing the move as critical to protecting humanitarian workers, internally displaced persons and communities affected by insurgency.
Despite the commendations, HURIWA urged the military not to relent, calling for sustained intelligence-led operations, improved battlefield tactics and greater deployment of modern surveillance technologies to dismantle Boko Haram, ISWAP and other violent non-state actors.
According to the association, defeating terrorism requires not only superior firepower but also sustained political commitment, adequate funding, enhanced troop welfare, effective inter-agency collaboration and the support of citizens through timely intelligence.
HURIWA reaffirmed its support for all lawful efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions and urged Nigerians to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information capable of preventing attacks and saving lives.