Tinubu expands Nigerian Army divisions to 12, recruits 28,000 personnel

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, in a major move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the military’s response to emerging threats.

The approval, which was announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces through increased manpower, improved welfare, modern equipment and force modernisation.

According to the Presidency, the expansion will decentralise military operations, improve command and control, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.

Under the new arrangement, four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, bringing the total number of Army divisions to 12.

The restructuring will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026, while the second phase, which includes the creation of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Tinubu 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 to safeguarding the country.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of protecting Nigeria and its citizens.
Under the new structure, the 82 Division Headquarters in Enugu will continue to oversee military operations in Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states, while the newly created 83 Division Headquarters in Benin City will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states. Other new formations include the 5 Division in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin and the 10 Division in Jalingo.