By ZAKAA LAZARUS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel in a major push to strengthen national security and boost the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The approval was announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the move is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s evolving security challenges and enhance defence capabilities.
With the expansion, the Nigerian Army will now operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across the country.
Existing 8 Divisions:
- 1 Division- Kaduna
- 2 Division – Ibadan
- 3 Division- Jos
- 6 Division- Port Harcourt
- 7 Division- Maiduguri
- 8 Division – Sokoto
- 81 Division- Lagos
- 82 Division – Enugu
New 4 Divisions:
- 5 Division- Makurdi: Covers Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states
- 9 Division – Ilorin: Covers Kwara and Niger states
- 10 Division- Jalingo: Covers Taraba and Adamawa states
- 83 Division- Benin City: Covers Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states
The Presidency said the new structure will:
– Improve command and control
– Decentralise operational decision-making
– Strengthen border security
– Enhance protection of critical national infrastructure
– Boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations
– Ensure quicker military response to emerging threats
The expansion will be carried out in two phases:
- Phase 1 – By September 2026 Establishment of 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, plus reorganisation of existing formations
- Phase 2 – By December 2026, Establishment of 83 Division and further restructuring
The statement added that the expansion builds on the Tinubu administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including acquisition of military platforms, improved troop welfare, and support for operational readiness.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers for their dedication to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping the military to remain “adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s security.”
