Ndume praises Tinubu for enhanced military gear, calls for improved salaries

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for recent security measures, particularly the improved kitting and enhanced remuneration for troops. He said the initiatives introduced following the declaration of a national emergency on insecurity are beginning to produce meaningful results.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and a consistent advocate for stronger support for frontline personnel, stated this in a release issued in Abuja.

His remarks follow the President’s renewed national security push aimed at reclaiming ungoverned territories and improving collaboration among security agencies.

A key component of the new strategy is the directive to the Department of State Services to deploy its trained forest guards to dislodge bandits operating in forests and other remote areas. The President also reiterated that those fueling insecurity would no longer have safe havens, while efforts are underway to recruit additional personnel into both the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army to strengthen overstretched units.

Ndume praised the deployment of forest guards and the improved synergy it has generated within the security architecture.

He noted that their involvement has been a significant boost to military operations, explaining that their specialised training has complemented the efforts of the Nigerian Army. He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent improvements in troop welfare.

However, he stressed that the current salary adjustments still fall short of what is obtainable among armed forces in neighbouring countries. According to him, despite progress, more should be done to align with regional standards.

Ndume further pointed to notable upgrades in military gear, including new weapons, uniforms, protective helmets, boots, and bulletproof vests, describing these improvements as visible and impactful.

Even so, he insisted that more resources must be directed toward combat needs. He called for increased procurement of attack helicopters, Armoured Personnel Carriers, and gun trucks to support operations in conflict-prone areas.

Representing a region deeply affected by insurgency, the senator also commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his unwavering support to security agencies.

Ndume noted that the governor has invested over N100bn in backing the Nigerian Army, the Civilian JTF, the Police, and other security organisations — contributions he said have reinforced federal efforts and accelerated stability in the state. He encouraged other northern governors to follow this example.