Tinubu’s five-year strategic defence plan ready to tackle insecurity
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Five-Year Strategic Defence Operations Plan is ready, describing it as a major step towards tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday by spokesperson Dele Alake, the council said the initiative is designed to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, improve military effectiveness and provide a coordinated response to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“These measures reflect the administration’s determination to address manpower and infrastructure gaps, improve the capacity of security agencies, and ensure personnel are adequately trained, equipped, and deployed to areas facing security challenges,” the council said.
According to the statement, military operations over the past three years have resulted in the elimination of more than 15,000 terrorists and bandits. Additionally, over 130,000 Boko Haram fighters and their dependants have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor, the Federal Government’s rehabilitation programme.
The council stated that the new framework aims to align defence priorities, capability development and expenditure with current and anticipated security challenges, shifting the security system towards an intelligence-led and technology-enabled approach.
To expand operational coverage, President Tinubu has approved the creation of four new army divisions and the restructuring of existing formations. He has also approved the establishment of two additional army depots in Osogbo, Osun State, and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, designed to accommodate 6,000 recruits each. The Osogbo facility currently has 5,210 recruits undergoing training.
The administration has further approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers and 50,000 police officers to reinforce internal security and reduce recruitment turnaround times.
On infrastructure and welfare, the council highlighted investments in accommodation and operational facilities, including a 700-unit military barracks project in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, aimed at improving the living conditions of security personnel.