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Tinubu Approves Expansion Of Nigerian Army To 12 Divisions, Recruitment Of 28,000 Personnel
President Bola Ahmed 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 the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The approval, announced in a State House statement on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost the Army’s manpower.
According to the statement, the expansion is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities, improving command and control, strengthening border security, and ensuring quicker military responses to emerging security threats across the country.
The move is part of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing investments in the Armed Forces, which include the acquisition of military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions headquartered in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Jalingo, Lagos, Enugu and Benin City, with each division overseeing military operations within designated states.
The newly created divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City are expected to decentralise operational decision-making, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure, strengthen counter-insurgency operations, and enhance internal security across the country.
The implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which covers the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.