President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, in a significant move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the military’s operational capacity.
The approval, announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflects the administration’s commitment to bolstering national defence and equipping the Armed Forces to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
As part of the restructuring, four new Army divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, bringing the total number of divisions to 12. The expanded structure will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, reinforce border security, protect critical national infrastructure, and boost counter-insurgency as well as internal security operations across the country.
The new Nigerian Army division headquarters and their areas of responsibility are:
1 Division – Kaduna: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.
2 Division – Ibadan: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
3 Division – Jos: Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
5 Division – Makurdi: Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
6 Division – Port Harcourt: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
7 Division – Maiduguri: Borno and Yobe States.
8 Division – Sokoto: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
9 Division – Ilorin: Kwara and Niger States.
10 Division – Jalingo: Taraba and Adamawa States.
81 Division – Lagos: Lagos and Ogun States.
82 Division – Enugu: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
83 Division – Benin City: Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
According to the Presidency, the implementation will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which includes 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, covering the creation of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
The expansion builds on the Federal Government’s continued investment in the Armed Forces, including the recruitment of 28,000 new personnel, procurement of critical military platforms and equipment, improved welfare for troops, and sustained support for force modernisation and operational readiness.
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 professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to safeguard the nation and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
