Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions, Recruitment of 28,000 Personnel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The approval, announced in a State House statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel to boost the Army’s manpower.
According to the statement, the move reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to effectively tackle evolving security challenges while enhancing the country’s defence capabilities.
It said the expansion builds on ongoing investments in the military, including the acquisition of critical platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, enhanced operational readiness, and continued force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. Existing headquarters will remain in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos and Enugu, while new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
The Presidency said the new divisions would improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, support counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military responses 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 alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and additional reorganisation, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
