\n\n
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has expressed support for the Federal Government’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army, describing the move as a significant step toward addressing the country’s worsening security challenges. Speaking during a church event, the cleric said increasing the military’s presence across the country would improve the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes affecting many communities. He also stressed that stronger security would help protect places of worship and restore confidence among citizens.
Archbishop Okoh noted that churches have increasingly become vulnerable to attacks in some parts of the country, making it necessary for the government to strengthen security architecture. He said the creation of additional military formations would improve surveillance, enhance intelligence gathering and ensure faster deployment of troops to areas facing security threats. While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the initiative, the CAN president urged security agencies to maintain professionalism and respect for human rights while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
The Federal Government recently announced the establishment of four additional divisions of the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness and tackle insecurity nationwide. Security experts have also argued that expanding military formations could enhance coverage in remote and underserved areas, although they maintain that success will depend on adequate funding, modern equipment, intelligence sharing and collaboration with local communities. The cleric therefore called for sustained investment in the armed forces and continued cooperation between government, security agencies and citizens to achieve lasting peace and stability across the country.
