President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. The President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The move aims to improve the operational effectiveness of the Army, according to the Presidency. It will also enhance its capacity to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Presidency unveils new structure
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He said the approval underscores the President’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces.
“The expansion builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation,” the statement read.
Four new divisions to be established
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across the country. The Presidency said the creation of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City would improve military coordination and response time.
“The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City 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,” Onanuga stated.
Implementation to occur in two phases
The restructuring will occur in two phases. The first phase covers the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions. It also includes the reorganisation of existing formations. This phase should complete by September 2026.
The second phase involves the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation. This will complete by December 2026.
Full list of divisions and their areas of responsibility
The divisions and their areas of responsibility are as follows:
- 1 Division in Kaduna – covers Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states
- 2 Division in Ibadan – covers Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states
- 3 Division in Jos – covers Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe states
- 5 Division in Makurdi – covers Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi states
- 6 Division in Port Harcourt – covers Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states
- 7 Division in Maiduguri – covers Borno and Yobe states
- 8 Division in Sokoto – covers Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states
- 9 Division in Ilorin – covers Kwara and Niger states
- 10 Division in Jalingo – covers Taraba and Adamawa states
- 81 Division in Lagos – covers Lagos and Ogun states
- 82 Division in Enugu – covers Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Imo states
- 83 Division in Benin City – covers Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states
Tinubu commends Army Chief
Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army. He praised their dedication and commitment to defending the nation.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces. Consequently, this ensures they remain adequately equipped and highly motivated. They will also remain fully capable of protecting the nation.
Read also: ADC says APC has neglected governance in pursuit of 2027 victory
