Tinubu Nigerian Army expansion | Sojworldnews
The approval also clears the way for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. As a result, the move adds fresh manpower to a force already stretched across multiple security fronts nationwide.
SEE ALSO: ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers, Recovers ₦942m From Payroll
BREAKING: Senate Hands Yuguda The AMCON Gavel — Confirmation Sails Through Plenary
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the decision reflects Tinubu’s continued commitment to equipping the armed forces for Nigeria’s changing security challenges. Furthermore, the statement frames the expansion as part of a wider pattern of investment under the current administration, which includes new military equipment, better troop welfare, and stronger support for operational readiness.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will run twelve divisions positioned strategically across the country. First, 1 Division will remain headquartered in Kaduna, covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. Meanwhile, 2 Division stays in Ibadan, overseeing Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, while 3 Division continues to operate from Jos, covering Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe States.
In addition, four entirely new divisions will emerge from the restructuring. Specifically, 5 Division will stand up in Makurdi to serve Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States. Similarly, 9 Division will be based in Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger States, and 10 Division will take root in Jalingo, responsible for Taraba and Adamawa States. Finally, 83 Division will be established in Benin City to oversee Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
Elsewhere, existing divisions retain their footprints: 6 Division stays in Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River), 7 Division remains in Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe), 8 Division continues in Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara), 81 Division stays in Lagos (Lagos and Ogun), and 82 Division remains in Enugu, covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Imo States.
Together, these four new divisions are expected to improve command and control across the country. As a result, they should decentralize operational decision-making, strengthen border security, and better protect critical national infrastructure. Consequently, officials expect faster military responses to emerging threats and improved counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
The rollout will happen in two phases. Initially, the army will establish 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and reorganize existing formations, with this phase wrapping up by September 2026. After that, the second phase will bring 83 Division online alongside further reorganization, with completion targeted for December 2026.
Meanwhile, Tinubu commended Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, along with all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their dedication and professionalism in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Looking ahead, the administration says it will keep investing in the armed forces so they remain well-equipped, motivated, and capable of protecting Nigerians nationwide.
Leave a Reply