President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s operational effectiveness.
The Presidency disclosed this in a statement, noting that the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces and enhancing their capacity to respond effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
According to the statement, the expansion builds on the Federal Government’s sustained investments in the military, including the approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved welfare for troops, and continued support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
The Presidency said the approval demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping and repositioning the Armed Forces to tackle emerging security threats while further strengthening Nigeria’s national defence capabilities.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across the country.
The divisions include:
– 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto, covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
– 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger States.
– 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo, covering Taraba and Adamawa States.
– 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos, covering Lagos and Ogun States.
– 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu, covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
– 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
The Presidency explained that the establishment of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City would significantly improve command and control across the country.
It added that the restructuring would decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure, enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and facilitate faster military responses to emerging threats.
The implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase will involve the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations. This phase is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase will involve the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation of the Army’s formations, with completion scheduled for December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their dedication, professionalism and continued sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also praised officers and men of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their tireless efforts in keeping Nigerians safe.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain investments in the Armed Forces and ensure that personnel are adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to protect the nation and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
