Former Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume, has urged officers and men of the Armed Forces to intensify the fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping following the implementation of the Federal Government’s new salary structure for military personnel.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District and previously chaired the Senate Committee on Army, made the call in a statement at the weekend.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing the salary review, saying the measure demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and morale of troops involved in security operations across the country.

The new salary structure provides increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel. Officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, are to receive a 30 per cent increase.

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

The review is expected to raise 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, confirmed the implementation of the review on Friday.

Ndume said the improved welfare package should be matched by greater operational commitment from troops, urging them to take advantage of the increased support and the recent recruitment of additional personnel to intensify operations against criminal and insurgent groups.

He said the administration had also increased funding for arms and ammunition and introduced measures aimed at improving the morale of military personnel.

The senator further urged stronger coordination between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in counter-insurgency and counter-banditry operations.

He said the activation of Army Aviation, alongside the availability of attack helicopters in the six geopolitical zones, could complement the Air Force and improve the military’s response to security threats.

Ndume also renewed his call for closer cooperation between the two services, saying improved inter-service coordination would enhance operational effectiveness and support efforts to restore peace in communities affected by insecurity.

He commended the Federal Government for implementing the salary increase, while urging military personnel to reciprocate the improved welfare through stronger efforts to protect lives and property and confront insecurity across the country.