President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions with the creation of four new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
The President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s operational capacity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the approval reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the Armed Forces’ ability to tackle evolving security challenges through improved manpower, modern equipment, troop welfare and operational readiness.
Under the new structure, the Army’s 12 divisions will be strategically located across the country.
The new formations include the 5 Division in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin, 10 Division in Jalingo and 83 Division in Benin City.
The Presidency said the new divisions are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and ensure quicker military responses to security threats nationwide.
Implementation will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026, while the second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division, will 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 dedication and professionalism, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a well-equipped and highly motivated military.
Security experts welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step toward improving the Army’s operational effectiveness and nationwide presence.
They, however, stressed the need for adequate funding, logistics, accommodation and other resources to ensure the expansion achieves its intended objectives.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, also hailed the approval, describing it as a strategic move that would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve military response to emerging threats and create employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians.
He said the expansion demonstrates the government’s resolve to address insecurity through enhanced military capacity.
