President Bola Tinubu's plan to increase the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions is a positive move, according to former Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.). Irabor said that the relocation will necessitate a large investment in staff, equipment, and logistics during an interview on Arise Television's Morning Show on Wednesday.
In an attempt to fortify the nation's security framework, President Tinubu approved the creation of four new divisions, and the Nigerian Army subsequently announced the appointment of four new General Officers Commanding.
5 Division, Makurdi; 9 Division, Ilorin; 10 Division, Jalingo; and 83 Division, Benin City, are the new divisions, though the last will start operations later this year.
To increase its operational capability across the country, the Army also activated three new brigades.
Irabor responded to the development by stating that the establishment of the new divisions was merely the initial stage in building a more robust and well-rounded security architecture.
"The Nigerian Army's expansion from eight to twelve divisions is a positive move," he declared.
He stated that the President was fully aware of the military's limitations and expressed hope that the Nigerian Air Force and Navy would see comparable advancements.
Knowing that the Commander-in-Chief is aware of the military's faults is heartening. Maybe it's a good idea for him to start with the Army. I think the Air Force and Navy will contribute to the endeavor.
However, Irabor cautioned that expanding the number of divisions would have far-reaching effects and would require sufficient funding.
There are numerous ramifications when there are twelve divisions instead of just eight. First, the current eight divisions need to be appropriately scaled up in terms of staff, supplies, logistics, and other areas. I want to think that the President understands the ramifications of all of that.
Additionally, he praised Tinubu's goal to enlist 28,000 more soldiers, calling it a good start even though more growth is still required.
"I also applaud the President's announcement that 28,000 soldiers will be enlisted, which is a little over a division in size. Naturally, though, it's a good idea to start someplace, which means that the troops' accommodations must be very expensive.
The retired defense director went on to say that although the Army's growth was praiseworthy, putting it into action would require significant national resources.
As part of larger initiatives to fortify Nigeria's security framework, he also demanded a review of the military's role in domestic security.
"The establishment of new military divisions is the first stage in a very long process to guarantee that the nation has a balanced security architecture. The military needs to reconsider its involvement in internal security, he declared.