President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions in a major step aimed at strengthening national security and improving military operations across the country.
The Presidency said the decision reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to building a stronger Armed Forces capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s changing security challenges. It said the expansion follows continued government investment in defence, including the approval of 28,000 additional recruits, the acquisition of military equipment, improved troop welfare, and support for force modernisation and operational readiness.
Under the new structure, the Army will operate 12 divisions located across Nigeria. The new divisions will be headquartered in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, while the existing divisions will continue operating from Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos, and Enugu, with each division responsible for designated states within its operational area.
According to the statement, the additional divisions are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and enable faster military response to emerging security threats nationwide.
The implementation will take place in two phases. The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, covering the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is scheduled for completion 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 their dedication and professionalism. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, motivated, and capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the security of its citizens.