Tinubu Orders Troops Closer to Vulnerable Communities, Fast-Tracks New Barracks, as Military Wages Rise

By Jeremy Fregene
President Bola Tinubu has announced the operationalisation of new Nigerian Army formations in four states as part of measures to bring troops closer to vulnerable communities and strengthen the military’s capacity to respond rapidly to security threats.

The President said the new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun states became operational this week, giving the Army an expanded presence in areas where quicker intervention may be required.

Tinubu, who personally announced the measures on Sunday, said the Federal Government was simultaneously accelerating the construction of new military barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi, while the facility in Osun had already been completed.

According to the President, the combination of new formations, improved military infrastructure and enhanced personnel welfare is intended to strengthen the Armed Forces’ operational capacity while providing better support for servicemen and women and their families.

The announcement comes days after military personnel began receiving their newly increased salaries approved by the President in August.

Under the revised package, which took effect from September 1, junior personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant received an 80 per cent increase, personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel received 50 per cent, while senior officers above Colonel received 30 per cent. About 250,000 Armed Forces personnel are expected to benefit.

Tinubu said feedback reaching him from servicemen and women indicated that the salary adjustment was already having an impact on personnel and their households.

He stressed that improving Nigeria’s security architecture must go hand-in-hand with improving the welfare of those required to defend the country, noting that military deployment also imposes sacrifices on spouses, children and other family members.

“Every deployment is a sacrifice made by a family too,” the President said.

Tinubu said the new Army formations would place troops nearer communities requiring protection, thereby strengthening their ability to act quickly and decisively when threats emerge.

The President also pledged to continue providing the military with the resources required to discharge its responsibilities, saying his obligation as Commander-in-Chief extended beyond personnel on the frontlines to the families supporting them at home.

“As our Armed Forces stand watch over Nigeria, my duty as Commander-in-Chief is to ensure they have the resources and support to do their job, and that Nigeria stands firmly behind the families waiting for them at home,” Tinubu said.