President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security and improve the military’s ability to tackle emerging threats across the country.
The approval also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost the Army’s manpower and enhance its operational effectiveness.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the decision in a statement on Thursday, describing it as a major step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s defence capabilities and addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
According to the Presidency, the expansion is part of the administration’s broader investment in the Armed Forces, which includes the acquisition of critical military equipment, improved welfare for troops, continuous force modernisation and enhanced operational readiness.
Under the new structure, additional Army divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City. The government said the new formations are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, enhance counter-insurgency operations and enable quicker responses to security threats nationwide.
The restructuring will be implemented 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 creation of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and service to the country.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the security of its citizens.
