He argued that such a move would reinforce security efforts and improve the capacity of security agencies to confront the growing wave of violent crimes across Nigeria.
Bello also advocated the recall of retired military personnel, saying their experience and expertise could significantly boost the nation's security architecture.
According to him, the current security challenges require extraordinary measures, including expanding the available manpower to support troops already deployed in various conflict zones.
He maintained that Nigeria possesses both the intelligence and operational capability to deal decisively with criminal groups if there is sufficient commitment from the authorities.
He said, “Wherever these bandits are hiding, the government knows their locations. Security personnel know their exact locations and how to get to them. For example, if you insult the Kano State governor today, by tomorrow, they will track you because they know your location.
Bello stressed that the country's security agencies are fully aware of where notorious bandits operate and have the means to reach them whenever necessary.
He suggested that what is lacking is not intelligence gathering or operational knowledge but the political determination to sustain decisive action against criminal elements.
Speaking further, the retired colonel dismissed claims that the Nigerian military lacks adequate weapons to prosecute the war against bandits and insurgents.
He insisted that the Armed Forces are well-equipped with modern military hardware capable of carrying out effective operations.
According to him, Nigeria has advanced aerial drones for surveillance and combat missions, artillery systems capable of striking targets from long distances, as well as military aircraft that can be deployed against criminal hideouts.
He maintained that these resources provide the military with the necessary capability to confront security threats if properly utilised.
Despite his observations, Bello praised the efforts of Nigerian troops serving on different fronts across the country.
He acknowledged that soldiers have continued to perform their duties under extremely difficult conditions, noting that they are overstretched because insecurity has spread to several parts of the country simultaneously.
He explained that the widespread nature of banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has placed enormous pressure on the military, making it increasingly difficult for existing personnel to effectively cover every affected area.
To address the situation, Bello called for a significant increase in troop strength, describing the country's security crisis as a national emergency that requires a coordinated and comprehensive response rather than isolated interventions.
Drawing from his experience during the Nigerian Civil War, he recalled that Nigeria successfully expanded its military capacity by recruiting personnel from the then Native Authority Police and recalling former servicemen to active duty.
He said adopting a similar strategy today could provide the additional manpower needed to reinforce ongoing military operations and improve the country's overall security response.
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