Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel in an effort to ‘strengthen national security’, as the country grapples with an array of conflicts, according to africanews.com. Africa’s most populous nation is engaged in a protracted conflict in its northern regions, exacerbated by the influence of militants from the Sahel and ‘bandit’ gangs operating without a clear ideology.

In November last year, in response to a surge in mass kidnappings and violence, Tinubu’s administration declared a nationwide security emergency, with the president promising to increase the military presence on the ground. A statement from his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the ‘landmark move’ to enhance the security architecture of the country, which includes the recruitment of more personnel and the acquisition of new equipment to improve troop welfare.

Last week, local media reported that the minimum wage for soldiers had been doubled to 100,000 naira ($72) per month for the lowest ranking troops. This initiative is part of a broader effort that also involves the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers to bolster national security forces.

The ongoing violence has subjected Nigeria to increased international scrutiny, with US President Donald Trump criticizing the situation, stating that Nigeria’s Christians were being persecuted. However, the Nigerian government has refuted these claims, asserting that both Christians and Muslims have been equally affected by the violence. In a recent twist, the Nigerian presidency stated that Trump had commended Tinubu in a letter for his ‘decisive leadership’ in addressing the issues afflicting Nigeria, particularly the violence impacting Christian communities.