President Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel in a major move aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security architecture and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The approval, announced in a statement by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is part of the Federal Government's efforts to address the country's evolving security challenges and bolster national defence capabilities.

According to the statement, the expansion builds on the Tinubu administration's sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and continued support for operational readiness and force modernisation.

With the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across the country. The existing formations include the 1 Division in Kaduna, 2 Division in Ibadan, 3 Division in Jos, 6 Division in Port Harcourt, 7 Division in Maiduguri, 8 Division in Sokoto, 81 Division in Lagos and 82 Division in Enugu.

The newly established divisions are the 5 Division in Makurdi, covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, the 9 Division in Ilorin, responsible for Kwara and Niger states, the 10 Division in Jalingo, overseeing Taraba and Adamawa states and the 83 Division in Benin City, which will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

The Presidency said the creation of the new divisions would 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 ensure quicker military responses to emerging threats across the country.

Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, as well as the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, alongside officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces, stressing that the military would continue to receive the necessary support to remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of safeguarding the nation's security and protecting all Nigerians.