Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), has backed the Federal Government’s plan to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the proposal will require sustained funding and proper implementation to succeed.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television, Irabor described President Bola Tinubu’s plan to establish four new Army divisions and recruit 28,000 additional soldiers as a positive step. However, he stressed that the existing eight divisions should first be strengthened with adequate personnel, modern equipment, logistics, infrastructure, and welfare support.
Irabor said creating new divisions involves more than increasing troop numbers, noting that each formation would require accommodation, combat vehicles, communication systems, medical facilities, transport equipment, and a reliable logistics network.
He also urged greater investment in military training institutions, instructors, healthcare, and welfare packages, while calling for policies that encourage experienced personnel to remain in service.
The retired defence chief expressed hope that similar attention would be extended to the Nigerian Navy and Air Force, adding that sustained funding is essential to strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.
