Retired Colonel Urges Special Forces Status for Army Division

Col Ahmed Usman (retd), the Special Adviser on Security to the Sokoto State Governor, has called on President Bola Tinubu to designate the newly approved Nigerian Army 5 Division Headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State, as a Special Forces Division. This request was made on Monday following the President's approval for the Nigerian Army's expansion from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.

Usman emphasized that merely increasing troop strength is insufficient to address Nigeria's complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, communal violence, and kidnapping. He noted that the new 5 Division should be structured and equipped to effectively confront these issues, leveraging the legacy of the former 401 Special Forces Brigade.

Usman argued that a Special Forces Division would enhance rapid-response capabilities and improve counter-terrorism operations. He also urged military authorities to ensure that a significant portion of the new recruits are trained as Special Forces operators and called for adequate funding and modern equipment for the new divisions.