- Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions
- The plan includes recruiting 28,000 additional military personnel
- New divisions will be established to strengthen security operations nationwide
President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve military operations.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the approval also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost the Army’s manpower and enhance its ability to tackle emerging security threats across the country.
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The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the decision reflects Tinubu’s commitment to improving the capacity of the Armed Forces.
According to the Presidency, the expansion forms part of broader efforts to modernise the military through increased personnel, procurement of operational equipment, improved welfare for troops and sustained investment in military readiness.
Under the new arrangement, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country.
The Presidency said new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City to improve command structures, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security and enable faster responses to security threats.
The restructuring will be implemented in two phases.
The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, covering the creation of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dedication to safeguarding the country.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the Armed Forces with the resources, equipment and support needed to effectively protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The divisions and their areas of responsibility are:
1 Division Headquarters in Kaduna, covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states;
2 Division Headquarters in Ibadan, covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states;
3 Division Headquarters in Jos, covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states;
5 Division Headquarters in Makurdi, covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states;
6 Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states;
7 Division Headquarters in Maiduguri, covering Borno and Yobe states;
8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto, covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states;
9 Division Headquarters in Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger states;
10 Division Headquarters in Jalingo, covering Taraba and Adamawa states;
81 Division Headquarters in Lagos, covering Lagos and Ogun states;
82 Division Headquarters in Enugu, covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states; and
83 Division Headquarters in Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
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