Tinubu approves expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 divisions, recruitment of 28,000 personnel

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational formations from eight to 12 divisions and authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to bolster national security and strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.

The approval, announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, marks one of the most significant military restructuring initiatives in recent years and reflects the administration’s commitment to tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to the statement, the expansion is designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army through improved command structures, increased manpower, and sustained investments in modern military assets.

The Federal Government said the initiative builds on ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces, including the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, enhanced troop welfare packages, and sustained support for operational readiness across various theatres of operation.

Under the newly approved structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country:

• 1 Division Headquarters, Kaduna – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.
• 2 Division Headquarters, Ibadan – Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
• 3 Division Headquarters, Jos – Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.
• 5 Division Headquarters, Makurdi – Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
• 6 Division Headquarters, Port Harcourt – Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
• 7 Division Headquarters, Maiduguri – Borno and Yobe states.
• 8 Division Headquarters, Sokoto – Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
• 9 Division Headquarters, Ilorin – Kwara and Niger states.
• 10 Division Headquarters, Jalingo – Taraba and Adamawa states.
• 81 Division Headquarters, Lagos – Lagos and Ogun states.
• 82 Division Headquarters, Enugu – Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.
• 83 Division Headquarters, Benin City – Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

The Presidency noted that the creation of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City is expected to significantly improve command and control mechanisms, decentralise operational decision-making, and strengthen border security.

It added that the expansion would also enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and enable faster military responses to emerging threats across the federation.

“The establishment of the new divisions will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide,” the statement said.

Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which covers the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, as well as the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further restructuring efforts, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, alongside officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully prepared to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

The latest development comes amid growing security concerns across several parts of the country and signals the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen the nation’s military capacity in the face of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other emerging threats.

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