Northern Senators Forum Voices Support for Military Expansion Amid Growing Security Concerns
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to enhance the Nigerian Army by establishing four new divisions and recruiting 28,000 additional personnel. This decision is seen as a crucial response to Nigeria’s escalating security issues, particularly following recent violent incidents in Benue and Kaduna states, which left over 40 individuals dead.
In a statement released on Sunday, the forum denounced the attacks that have taken the lives of scores, including vulnerable women and children, and forced numerous families to flee their homes. They urged the federal government to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts.
Senator Abdulaziz Yardua, Chairman of the Forum, expressed profound concern over the persistent violence plaguing various regions in Nigeria. He conveyed condolences to the people of Benue and Kaduna states and the grieving families of the victims. The attacks have added to an already unstable security landscape.
The NSF highlighted a tragic incident on July 28, where an early morning attack on the Efei community in the Ugboju area of Benue State resulted in at least 13 fatalities, alongside numerous injuries. Additionally, a similar attack in Kaduna State on July 26 left around 30 individuals dead and caused extensive property damage.
The senators characterized these events as both tragic and unacceptable, reiterating that innocent Nigerians should not live under the constant threat of violence. In acknowledging the federal government’s renewed dedication to tackling insecurity through military expansion, they highlighted the significance of bolstering the Nigerian armed forces.
The initiative to add four divisions will increase the army’s total from eight to twelve, a move that, if properly executed, could enhance the country’s security infrastructure. The forum believes this could facilitate a decentralized military command, improve border security, and bolster the military’s capacity to respond to threats swiftly and effectively.
Despite the positive outlook on the military expansion, the senators emphasized that increasing troop numbers is only part of the solution. For the initiative to succeed, it must be complemented by sufficient funding, modern equipment, and improved welfare for service members. They called upon the federal government to ensure that these new military formations are adequately supported to maximize their operational effectiveness.
Moreover, lawmakers urged citizens in affected areas to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence to prevent future incidents. As the NSF reinforced the need for accountability, they called for intensified efforts from security forces to apprehend those responsible for the recent atrocities.
