President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The approval, announced by the Presidency on Thursday, is aimed at improving the Army’s operational effectiveness, enhancing national defence and addressing evolving security challenges.
Under the new structure, four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, bringing the total number of divisions to 12 across the country.
According to the Presidency, the expansion will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure and enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
The implementation will be carried out in two phases, with the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations expected to be completed by September 2026, while the 83 Division in Benin City will be established by December 2026.
The Presidency said the initiative builds on the administration’s investments in the Armed Forces, including the recruitment of additional personnel, acquisition of military equipment, improved troop welfare and support for force modernisation.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces.
