President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational structure from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and enhance the military’s operational effectiveness.
The Presidency disclosed this in a statement, noting that the approval also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
According to the statement, the expansion reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and further strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country as follows:
– 1 Division Headquarters, Kaduna – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.
– 2 Division Headquarters, Ibadan – Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
– 3 Division Headquarters, Jos – Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.
– 5 Division Headquarters, Makurdi – Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
– 6 Division Headquarters, Port Harcourt – Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
– 7 Division Headquarters, Maiduguri – Borno and Yobe states.
– 8 Division Headquarters, Sokoto – Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
– 9 Division Headquarters, Ilorin – Kwara and Niger states.
– 10 Division Headquarters, Jalingo – Taraba and Adamawa states.
– 81 Division Headquarters, Lagos – Lagos and Ogun states.
– 82 Division Headquarters, Enugu – Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.
– 83 Division Headquarters, Benin City – Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
The Presidency stated that the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats across the country.
Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions as well as the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation of the Army’s structure, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, alongside officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of safeguarding the nation and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.
