Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged military officers to intensify the fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping to reciprocate Federal Government’s implementation of the promised salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District and is a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, gave the commendation in a statement at the weekend.

He said the implementation of the new salary structure demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and morale of military personnel engaged in the fight against insecurity across the country.

The Presidency had last month announced plans to implement a new salary package for categories of personnel in the Armed Forces.
According to the announcement attributed to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals and generals, would receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer would receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant would benefit from an 80 per cent increase.

Onanuga said the new package would increase the annual salary bill for Armed Forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion, with more than 250,000 personnel expected to benefit.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, subsequently confirmed the implementation of the salary review while briefing defence correspondents on Friday.

Reacting to the development, Ndume commended Tinubu for fulfilling his pledge and taking steps to improve the welfare of military personnel.

He, however, charged officers and men of the Armed Forces to redouble their efforts in tackling insurgency, kidnapping and banditry, particularly against the backdrop of increased government investment in the sector.

“Making a pronouncement is one thing, redeeming your pledge is a different ball game entirely.

“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,” he said.

The senator maintained that the administration had, over the past three years, demonstrated commitment to tackling insecurity through increased funding for the procurement of arms and ammunition, as well as measures aimed at boosting the morale of military personnel.

He urged troops to take advantage of the improved welfare package and the recent recruitment of additional personnel to intensify operations 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.

“They should do more now that they also have more troops on the ground with the recent recruitment,” he said.

Ndume also said the activation of Army Aviation would complement the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-banditry operations.

He noted that the availability of attack helicopters in the six geopolitical zones could enhance the military’s capacity to respond to security threats across the country.

“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 added.
The former Senate Leader further renewed his call for improved coordination between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

He said stronger inter-service cooperation would enhance operational effectiveness and contribute to efforts to restore peace and security in affected communities.