Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged personnel of the Armed Forces to intensify operations against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping following the implementation of the Federal Government’s new salary structure for military personnel.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District and previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, said the pay increase should translate into renewed commitment to the fight against insecurity.
The military began receiving the revised salaries in September, with the new structure providing increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent, depending on rank. About 250,000 personnel are expected to benefit, while the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces has risen from N660bn to N924bn.
Reacting to the development in a statement at the weekend, Ndume commended President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his pledge to improve the welfare of military personnel.
“Making a pronouncement is one thing, redeeming your pledge is a different ball game entirely,” he said.
“President Tinubu has shown times without number that he keeps to his words. It is heartwarming to note that the salary increment he promised the Nigerian Army has been redeemed.”
Ndume, however, challenged officers and men to reciprocate the improved welfare package by stepping up their efforts against criminal and insurgent groups.
“I want to urge our officers to redouble their efforts to curtail insecurity since the present administration is doing everything to boost their morale,” he said.
He also linked the improved pay to recent recruitment into the Armed Forces, urging troops to make effective use of the additional manpower.
“They should do more now that they also have more troops on the ground with the recent recruitment,” Ndume said.
The senator said the administration had also increased funding for arms and ammunition and introduced other measures aimed at improving military morale.
He further called for stronger coordination between the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force, saying the activation of Army Aviation would complement ongoing air operations against insurgency and banditry.
“The activation of the Army Aviation would also go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Air Force now that we also have attack helicopters in the six geo-political zones,” he said.
Ndume said closer cooperation between the services would strengthen operations and support efforts to restore peace and security in communities affected by insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
Discussion0