ABUJA — Former Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians into the military.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, described the development as a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the capacity of the Armed Forces to respond effectively to emerging security threats across the country.
In a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, the former Senate President said the creation of additional Army divisions would enhance the military’s operational reach and reduce response time to security challenges, particularly in areas where the presence of government security agencies remains limited.
He said the expansion would further support ongoing efforts to tackle insurgency, terrorism and other forms of insecurity threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
According to Lawan, the changing nature of modern warfare requires more than superior firepower, stressing the need for adequate manpower, strategic deployment and operational flexibility to effectively confront evolving security threats.
He said, “The asymmetric nature of modern warfare requires not just superior firepower, but superior manpower, strategic spread and operational agility. With this expansion, the Commander-in-Chief has demonstrated that he is not just a listening leader, but a thinking leader.”
Lawan also welcomed the approval for the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians into the Nigerian Army, describing the initiative as a development that would strengthen the country’s defence capabilities while providing employment opportunities for young people.
He noted that engaging more youths in the military would not only contribute to national security but could also help reduce their vulnerability to crime, extremism and other social vices.
The former Senate President further stated that the ongoing reforms and investments in the nation’s security sector would contribute to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
He, however, emphasised the need for sustained efforts to secure the country, noting that a stronger military structure and improved operational capacity would be critical to bringing an end to the remnants of insurgency and other security challenges.
“More robust order of battle means a faster and more decisive end to the remnants of insurgency that have troubled our peace,” Lawan said.
He prayed for the success of the Nigerian Armed Forces and expressed hope for lasting peace, security and stability across the country.
