The Army expansion from eight to 12 divisions has received backing from the Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability, which says the move will strengthen Nigeria’s security and improve military operations.
The Army expansion from eight to 12 divisions has received the endorsement of the Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA), which praised President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for the initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Executive Director of CPTA, Mr. Patrick Ogheneyero, described the decision as a significant step towards enhancing the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to Ogheneyero, the expansion of the Army will improve operational efficiency, enable faster deployment of troops, strengthen surveillance across the country and reinforce Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He said a stronger and better-equipped military is vital to protecting lives and property, maintaining national security and creating a stable environment that supports economic growth and sustainable national development.
The CPTA urged the Federal Government to complement the expansion with adequate budgetary allocations, modern military equipment and advanced technology to ensure the success of the initiative.
Ogheneyero also called for continuous professional training and retraining of military personnel, improved welfare packages and the recruitment of more qualified soldiers to meet the manpower demands of the expanded divisional structure.
He noted that these measures would ensure the Army expansion translates into improved operational effectiveness and stronger national security.
The organisation further emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and coordinate responses to emerging security threats.
Ogheneyero expressed confidence that the expanded Army structure would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality while safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed the centre’s support for policies that promote national security, peace and sustainable development and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces in carrying out their constitutional responsibility of defending the country.
The Federal Government recently approved the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions, with four new formations to be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
The government also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to support the expanded military structure and enhance operational readiness.
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