The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead the Nigerian Army’s newly created divisions following the Federal Government’s expansion of the military’s operational structure.
The appointments come shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of four additional army divisions aimed at strengthening national security and improving military operations across the country.
According to the Nigerian Army, the new divisions are part of efforts to expand its operational presence, enhance command and control, and improve its ability to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The newly established divisions will begin operations once they attain their Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while further measures will be implemented to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC). The phased rollout is expected to ensure smooth deployment and strengthen military response nationwide.
As part of the reorganization, the Nigerian Army has adjusted the areas of responsibility for all divisions. Under the new arrangement, 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, while 2 Division Ibadan will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo. The 3 Division Jos will be responsible for Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe states.
The newly established 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, while 6 Division Port Harcourt will cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. The 7 Division Maiduguri will continue operations in Borno and Yobe, while 8 Division Sokoto will remain responsible for Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
In addition, the new 9 Division in Ilorin will supervise security operations in Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division in Jalingo will focus on border security across Taraba and Adamawa states. The 81 Division Lagos will retain responsibility for Lagos and Ogun, while 82 Division Enugu will continue overseeing Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Imo states. The planned 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states after its activation later this year.
To lead the new formations, Lieutenant General Shaibu appointed several senior officers to key positions. Major General Yakubu Yahaya will head the 9 Division in Ilorin while also serving as Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD. Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been assigned to command the 10 Division in Jalingo.
Major General Moses Gara has been posted to lead the 5 Division in Makurdi and will simultaneously serve as Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has also been appointed General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division in Ibadan.
The Army also activated three new brigades to support the expanded force structure. Brigadier General AO Odubiyi will command the 11 Brigade in Gboko, Brigadier General AM Haruna will lead the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brigadier General RM Aminu will head the 10 Brigade in Lafia.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed commanders to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and strong leadership while maintaining operational effectiveness. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, safeguarding lives and property, and supporting lasting peace and security.
The Army Chief also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the expansion of the Army’s operational capabilities, describing the creation of the new divisions as a major milestone that will strengthen command structures, improve border security, accelerate troop deployment, and enhance the military’s ability to respond to emerging security threats across Nigeria.
