Irabor Backs Tinubu’s Plan to Expand Army Divisions, Calls for More Investment

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as a step in the right direction, while stressing the need for increased investment in personnel, equipment and logistics.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Irabor said the expansion would significantly strengthen the nation’s security architecture but noted that it comes with enormous operational and financial implications.

According to him, the existing eight army divisions must first be adequately equipped and brought up to full operational strength before the new divisions become fully effective.

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“The expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to 12 divisions is the right step in the right direction,” he said.

Irabor expressed satisfaction that President Tinubu is fully aware of the military’s operational shortcomings, adding that the planned reforms should also extend to the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.

He commended the President’s approval for the recruitment of 28,000 new soldiers, describing it as a significant boost to the Armed Forces, although he noted that the number represents only slightly more than the personnel strength of one military division.

The former Defence Chief added that beyond recruitment, government must also invest in accommodation, logistics, equipment and other operational requirements necessary to support the expanding military.

He expressed optimism that the Federal Government understands the broader implications of the expansion and would provide the necessary resources to ensure its successful implementation.