Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel in a major overhaul aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the Army’s operational effectiveness.
The approval, announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is part of the administration’s efforts to bolster the Armed Forces in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
The statement said the expansion is backed by sustained investments in the military, including the acquisition of critical platforms and equipment, improvements in 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. Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Benin State; Ilorin, Kwara State; Jalingo, Taraba State; and Benin City, Edo State.
According to the Presidency, the new divisions are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and enable faster military responses to emerging threats.
Implementation of the restructuring will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5 Division (Makurdi), 9 Division (Ilorin), and 10 Division (Jalingo), alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026.
The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu said the approval reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities and ensuring the Armed Forces are adequately equipped to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism and service to the nation.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and capable of protecting lives, property and the nation’s territorial integrity.
