By Agbafo Ijeoma
Some residents of Kaduna have welcomed the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to increase the number of military and police personnel as part of measures to strengthen security across the country.
The residents, who spoke ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, also commended the establishment and expansion of military formations and the deployment of forest guards to tackle insecurity. The Federal Government has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of additional personnel.
Abubakar Sadiq, a trader at Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Market, said new military barracks could improve security and stimulate development, but stressed the need for proper prosecution of arrested offenders.
Bulus Dauda, a civil servant, called for investigations whenever civilians or security personnel died during operations, while Rabiu Ahmed and Ezekiel Buba urged security agencies to improve coordination and ensure faster responses to attacks.
Other residents called for continuous surveillance of criminal hideouts and more effective deployment of existing personnel alongside the recruitment of additional security operatives.
Zubairu Muhammad, a businessman, also appealed for greater support for military personnel and their families, while Usman Nasiru, a barber, urged the government to implement security measures fairly and transparently.
Fatima Abubakar, a civil servant, said insecurity was affecting transportation, education and other daily activities, while Hauwa Isah, a food vendor, welcomed increased recruitment and improved welfare for security personnel.
The Federal Government approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel from September 1, 2026, with the stated aim of improving troop welfare. Isah also urged citizens to support security agencies, stressing that maintaining security required collective responsibility.
