Ndume lauds Tinubu over soldiers’ improved kitting, urges better pay

File Photo: Ali Ndume.

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The senator representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s latest security interventions, including improved kitting and salary for troops, saying the measures rolled out since the declaration of a national emergency on insecurity are beginning to yield tangible results.

Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and a long-time advocate of stronger frontline support for security personnel, made his remarks in a statement issued in Abuja.

His comments come weeks after Tinubu unveiled a renewed national security drive aimed at reclaiming ungoverned spaces and strengthening inter-agency operations.

One of the major steps taken by the President was the directive to the Department of State Services to immediately deploy its already-trained forest guards to flush out bandits entrenched in forests and other hard-to-reach locations.

The President also vowed that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” alongside ongoing plans to recruit additional personnel into both the Nigerian Police Force and the Army to reinforce overstretched units.

Reacting to these moves, Ndume praised the deployment order and the synergy it has created across security formations.

He said the forest guards’ involvement had significantly supported military operations, noting that “their training has gone a long way to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Army and they are happy with that too.”

The legislator also lauded the Federal Government for improvements in troop welfare,  acknowledging recent adjustments to military remuneration.

However, he maintained that more needed to be done to match regional standards.

According to him, while personnel salaries have been increased, “it is still not enough, compared to other Armed forces in the sub-region.”

He added: “I can see visible improvements in terms of cooperation between the Armed forces and other security agencies. That is very commendable.”

The lawmaker highlighted ongoing upgrades in military equipment and logistics, noting that “There is visible improvement in the kitting of the military in terms of new arms, uniform, protection helmets, boots and bulletproof vests.”

However, he emphasised that the government must intensify its support for active combat operations.

“But still, the government must do more by giving priority to arms and ammunition needed at the theatre of operations. They need to procure more attack helicopters, add more Armoured Personnel Carriers and gun trucks.”

Representing Borno South Senatorial District, one of the regions hardest hit by insurgency, Ndume also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his sustained backing of military and security efforts in the state.

According to him, Zulum’s initiatives have reinforced federal operations and accelerated stabilisation efforts.

“He has invested over N100bn, supporting the Nigerian Army, the Civilian JTF, Police and other Security Agencies,” he said.

“That has complemented the efforts of the Nigerian Army. That’s very commendable. I urge other governors in the North to emulate him.”

The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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