ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding its formations from eight to 12 divisions in a decisive move aimed at tackling the country’s persistent security challenges.
The landmark decision, which also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, is designed to boost operational effectiveness, strengthen command and control, and improve the military’s response to emerging threats nationwide.
Announcing the approval on Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the expansion reflects the President’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces and enhancing national defence capabilities.
The new structure will see the creation of four additional divisions strategically located across key regions:
5 Division – Makurdi, covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states
9 Division – Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger states
10 Division – Jalingo, covering Taraba and Adamawa states
83 Division – Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states
The existing divisions will maintain their headquarters as follows: 1 Division (Kaduna), 2 Division (Ibadan), 3 Division (Jos), 6 Division (Port Harcourt), 7 Division (Maiduguri), 8 Division (Sokoto), 81 Division (Lagos), and 82 Division (Enugu).
According to the presidency, the new divisions will significantly improve border security, protect critical national infrastructure, enhance counter-insurgency operations, and ensure quicker military intervention where needed.
Implementation of the restructured force will be executed in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5th, 9th and 10th Divisions and reorganisation of existing units, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, which includes the 83rd Division, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and the entire rank and file of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and dedication to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain investment in the Armed Forces through improved welfare, acquisition of modern equipment, and continuous capacity building to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians.
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