Army Establishes New Brigades, Battalions Across Six States To Boost Security Operations
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has announced the establishment of new brigades, battalions, and operational units across six states as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve rapid response to threats nationwide.
Shuaibu disclosed this on Monday during the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has continued to expand its operational presence through troop deployments, restructuring of formations, and the creation of additional Joint Task Force units in strategic areas across the country.
He explained that the newly created formations are aimed at improving operational effectiveness, boosting intelligence-driven operations, and responding more quickly to emerging security challenges.
Among the newly established formations are the 15 Brigade and affiliated units in Anambra and Imo states, the 12 Battalion in Anyigba, Kogi State, the 226 Battalion in Ganye, Adamawa State, the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion in Mubi, as well as Army Headquarters Logistics Base 4 in Gusau and Logistics Base 5 in Ilorin.
The Army also established Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central region to strengthen security operations in the area.
“The Nigerian Army has maintained an enhanced operational posture through continuous troop deployments, reconfiguration of formations, and the establishment of additional Joint Task Force formations and units in critical locations,” Shuaibu said.
He added that the measures have significantly improved operational reach, response time, and intelligence-led missions across troubled areas of the country.
The Army Chief further revealed that a new Depot Nigerian Army has been established in Amasiri, Edda, Ebonyi State, to support the Federal Government’s directive for the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers under the Army expansion programme.
According to him, the recruitment drive is expected to strengthen manpower and improve the Army’s overall combat readiness.
Shuaibu also highlighted the growing impact of Nigerian Army aviation operations, noting that Army aviation assets recently supported troop insertion and extraction missions in difficult terrains within the North-East theatre.
He described the operation in the Tumbutu Triangle as a major milestone for Army aviation in counter-insurgency operations.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the military’s commitment to strengthening joint operations, inter-agency cooperation, and partnerships with international allies in tackling insecurity across the country.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for continued support to the Armed Forces, especially in the areas of equipment procurement, infrastructure development, and troop welfare.
According to him, welfare initiatives such as improved accommodation, better healthcare services, and allowance reviews are being implemented to boost morale among personnel.
The development comes amid ongoing security challenges including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, as well as violent attacks linked to separatist activities in parts of the South-East.
The Nigerian Army has in recent months intensified efforts to expand its operational footprint and improve security responses across volatile regions of the country.
