The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The Executive Director of the centre, Mr Patrick Ogheneyero, gave the commendation in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Ogheneyero said the decision demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and improving national security.
According to him, the expansion will boost operational efficiency, enable faster deployment of troops, strengthen surveillance across the country and reinforce Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He stressed that a stronger and better-equipped military is critical to protecting lives and property, tackling insecurity and creating a stable environment for economic growth and national development.
The CPTA executive director, however, urged the Federal Government to back the expansion with adequate funding, modern military hardware and advanced technology to ensure its success.
He also called for continuous training and retraining of military personnel, improved welfare packages and the recruitment of more qualified soldiers to meet the manpower demands of the enlarged divisional structure.
According to Ogheneyero, these measures will enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness and strengthen the country’s overall security framework.
He further advocated sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and ensure coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
Ogheneyero expressed confidence that the expanded Army structure would significantly improve the military’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed the centre’s support for policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening national security, promoting peace and advancing sustainable development.
The CPTA boss also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces in their constitutional responsibility to defend the nation and preserve its unity.
The Federal Government recently approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and address growing security challenges.
The expansion includes the establishment of four new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to support the new military structure.
