President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational presence in four states, saying the move is designed to bring troops closer to communities vulnerable to attacks and improve the military’s response to insecurity.
The new Army formations have been operationalised in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun states as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security operations across the country.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement posted on his social media handles on Sunday, stressing that the deployment would enable security personnel to respond more swiftly and decisively to threats against civilians.
He said the closer positioning of troops would strengthen the Army’s ability to protect vulnerable communities and deal with security incidents as they occur.
“This week, the Nigerian Army @HQNigerianArmy operationalised new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun. Our troops are now closer to vulnerable communities in these areas, strengthening our ability to respond swiftly and decisively when our people are threatened,” the President said.
The expansion is particularly significant for the North-West, where Zamfara and Kebbi have continued to contend with threats from banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.
The establishment of additional formations in Oyo and Osun also strengthens the Army’s operational footprint in the South-West and is expected to improve its capacity to respond to emerging security threats in the region.
Tinubu said the government’s security strategy was not limited to troop deployment, stressing that improving the welfare and working conditions of military personnel remained an important part of strengthening the Armed Forces.
He disclosed that construction of new military barracks and depots was being accelerated in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi states, while the project in Osun State had already been completed.
“We are also fast-tracking the construction of new barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi, with Osun already completed,” he said.
The President said the infrastructure projects were aimed at providing military personnel and their families with better living conditions while enhancing the working environment for troops carrying out security operations.
He also highlighted the recent increase in military personnel salaries, saying the improved remuneration was already having a positive impact on servicemen and women and their families.
“Over the past few days, servicemen and women of the Armed Forces have shared what the recent pay increase means for them and their families. I am glad it is making a difference,” Tinubu stated.
According to the President, the welfare of military personnel cannot be separated from the country’s security needs, particularly as troops are routinely deployed to areas where they face significant risks.
He acknowledged that military deployment affects not only personnel but also their families, who bear the emotional and practical consequences of prolonged separation and the dangers associated with military service.
“Every deployment is a sacrifice made by a family too,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his commitment, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to providing the military with the resources and support required to carry out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation.
“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,” he added.
