By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army, describing the initiative as a timely and strategic response to the country’s worsening security challenges following recent deadly attacks in Benue and Kaduna states.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said the latest killings highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s capacity to respond to emerging threats.
The senators condemned the attacks, which claimed dozens of lives in both states, and extended their condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and the governments of Benue and Kaduna states.
According to the Forum, 13 people were killed when gunmen attacked Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, while another attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, July 26, left about 30 people dead, including women and children, with several houses destroyed.
The lawmakers welcomed President Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, describing the move as a significant step toward improving the military’s operational capacity and strengthening security across the country.
“The expansion provides more strategic coverage and operational support across the country and helps restore public confidence,” the statement said.
While commending the initiative, the Forum stressed that increasing troop strength alone would not guarantee improved security.
It urged the Federal Government to complement the expansion with adequate funding, modern equipment, improved logistics and enhanced welfare packages for military personnel to ensure the new formations operate effectively.
The senators also appealed to citizens to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that could assist in preventing attacks and tracking criminal elements.
They further called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are swiftly arrested, prosecuted and brought to justice.
The Forum also urged the Federal Government to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and other forms of support to victims of the attacks and internally displaced persons affected by the violence.
According to the senators, lasting peace and security can only be achieved through coordinated military operations, effective intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration between security agencies and communities, and sustained investment in Nigeria’s security infrastructure.