By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen national security and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The approval, announced on Thursday, is aimed at improving the country’s security architecture, strengthening command and control structures, enhancing border security, and boosting the military’s capacity to respond rapidly to emerging threats across the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement issued by the State House, saying the decision reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and safeguard national sovereignty.
According to the statement, the expansion builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the military, including the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved welfare packages for troops, enhanced operational readiness, and ongoing force modernisation programmes.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions strategically located across the country. The divisions include 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 5 Division Makurdi, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 7 Division Maiduguri, 8 Division Sokoto, 9 Division Ilorin, 10 Division Jalingo, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu and 83 Division Benin City.
The new divisions to be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City are expected to improve operational efficiency, decentralise decision-making, strengthen security along vulnerable borders, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and support ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
The Federal Government said implementation of the new force structure would 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 and additional organisational restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, alongside officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of protecting Nigeria and guaranteeing the safety and security of its citizens.
