President Bola Tinubu has approved a major restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding its operational structure from eight to twelve divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s capacity to tackle emerging threats across the country.
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 an additional 28,000 personnel to boost the strength of the Nigerian Army.
According to the Presidency, the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in the face of evolving security challenges.
The statement said, “This approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.”
It added that the expansion is part of the Federal Government’s broader investment in the military, which includes the acquisition of critical combat platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. Existing headquarters in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos and Enugu will be complemented by new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
The Presidency noted that the new formations are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, and boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations nationwide.
According to the statement, “The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.”
Implementation of the restructuring will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026. The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and additional reorganisation, is expected to be concluded 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 what he described as their dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President reiterated 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 lives and property of Nigerians.
“The President reaffirmed his Administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians,” the statement added.If you’d like, I can also produce an SEO-optimized version with a stronger headline and search-friendly subhead suitable for publication on a news website.
