Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and has authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. The approval aims to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the decision reflects Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle evolving security challenges and reinforce national defence capabilities. The expansion builds on sustained investments in the military, including the acquisition of critical platforms, improved troop welfare, and support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. The divisions include 1 Division in Kaduna, 2 Division in Ibadan, 3 Division in Jos, 5 Division in Makurdi, 6 Division in Port Harcourt, and 7 Division in Maiduguri. Others are 8 Division in Sokoto, 9 Division in Ilorin, 10 Division in Jalingo, 81 Division in Lagos, 82 Division in Enugu, and 83 Division in Benin City.
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 responses to emerging security threats nationwide.
Implementation will be executed in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and additional reorganisation, is scheduled for completion by December.
Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, and the officers and soldiers for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, motivated, and capable of safeguarding the nation and its citizens.