From The Nijasun News Desk
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational structure from eight to twelve divisions as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve the military’s ability to respond to emerging threats nationwide.
Daily Trust reports that the development was announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the approval as a landmark step in reinforcing Nigeria’s defence capabilities.
According to the statement, the expansion is backed by the approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel, alongside continued investment in modern military equipment, troop welfare, operational readiness and force modernization.
Under the new arrangement, the Nigerian Army will operate from the following twelve divisional headquarters:
1 Division – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States)
2 Division – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States)
3 Division – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States)
5 Division – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States)
6 Division – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States)
7 Division – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States)
8 Division – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States)
9 Division – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States)
10 Division – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States)
81 Division – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States)
82 Division – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States)
83 Division – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).
The Presidency, the report continues, said the creation of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will improve command and control, decentralize operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency operations and ensure faster military response to security challenges across the country.
Implementation of the restructuring will take place in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganization of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and professionalism in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to safeguard the nation and its citizens.
Tags: #Tinubu #NigerianArmy #Security #Defence #Military #Nigeria
