Nigeria Does Not Just Need 28,000 More Soldiers. It Needs a Better Security Strategy

Recruiting 28,000 additional soldiers sounds like a serious response to Nigeria’s security crisis.

But more soldiers do not automatically mean more security.

Nigeria already has brave men and women fighting insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and armed groups across several regions.

The problem is not only troop numbers.

It is also intelligence, equipment, welfare, coordination and leadership.

New divisions may improve response times by placing military commands closer to areas facing violence. That is a sensible idea.

But Mr President must ensure the expansion does not become another large announcement followed by weak implementation.

Will the recruits receive proper training? Will they be paid on time? Will they have modern equipment? Will wounded personnel and the families of fallen soldiers receive adequate support?

Nigeria must also avoid using the Army as a permanent replacement for effective policing.

Soldiers can confront major armed threats. They cannot solve every local crime, land

dispute, kidnapping or community conflict.

The country needs stronger policing, better intelligence gathering and a justice system capable of prosecuting those arrested.

I support strengthening the Army.

But Nigeria should not simply create more divisions while leaving the same operational weaknesses untouched.

The objective is not to have a larger military on paper.

It is to make Nigerians safer in their homes, farms, schools and places of worship.Recruiting 28,000 additional soldiers sounds like a serious response to Nigeria’s security crisis.

But more soldiers do not automatically mean more security.

Nigeria already has brave men and women fighting insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and armed groups across several regions.

The problem is not only troop numbers.

It is also intelligence, equipment, welfare, coordination and leadership.

New divisions may improve response times by placing military commands closer to areas facing violence. That is a sensible idea.

But Mr President must ensure the expansion does not become another large announcement followed by weak implementation.

Will the recruits receive proper training? Will they be paid on time? Will they have modern equipment? Will wounded personnel and the families of fallen soldiers receive adequate support?

Nigeria must also avoid using the Army as a permanent replacement for effective policing.

Soldiers can confront major armed threats. They cannot solve every local crime, land dispute, kidnapping or community conflict.

The country needs stronger policing, better intelligence gathering and a justice system capable of prosecuting those arrested.

I support strengthening the Army.

But Nigeria should not simply create more divisions while leaving the same operational weaknesses untouched.

The objective is not to have a larger military on paper.

It is to make Nigerians safer in their homes, farms, schools and places of worship.