By Abdullahi Sarki
President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the Army’s operational effectiveness.
A statement by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the approval reflects the President’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle evolving security challenges and reinforce the country’s defence capabilities.
The statement said the expansion follows sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and continued support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country.
The divisions are:
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)
According to the Presidency, the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency operations and ensure quicker military response to emerging threats.
Implementation will take place in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and professionalism.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting citizens.
