In a sweeping move to fortify national security, President Bola Tinubu has authorized a historic expansion of the Nigerian Army—growing from eight to twelve divisions and recruiting 28,000 additional personnel.
Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, announced the approval in a statement on Thursday, describing it as a “landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.”
According to Onanuga, the expansion underscores Tinubu’s resolve to equip the armed forces for Nigeria’s evolving security threats while strengthening the nation’s overall defense capabilities. The initiative builds on ongoing investments in military platforms, troop welfare, operational readiness, and force modernization.
New Structure: 12 Divisions Across Nigeria
Under the restructured command, the Nigerian Army will now operate the following divisions:
· 1 Division HQ – Kaduna (covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa)
· 2 Division HQ – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo)
· 3 Division HQ – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe)
· 5 Division HQ – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi) – New
· 6 Division HQ – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River)
· 7 Division HQ – Maiduguri (Borno, Yobe)
· 8 Division HQ – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara)
· 9 Division HQ – Ilorin (Kwara, Niger) – New
· 10 Division HQ – Jalingo (Taraba, Adamawa) – New
· 81 Division HQ – Lagos (Lagos, Ogun)
· 82 Division HQ – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo)
· 83 Division HQ – Benin City (Edo, Delta, Bayelsa) – New
Two-Phase Implementation
The rollout will occur in two phases:
· Phase 1 (establishment of Divisions 5, 9, and 10, plus reorganization) – Due September 2026
· Phase 2 (establishment of Division 83 and further restructuring) – Due December 2026
Strategic Impact
The new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City are expected to:
· Improve command and control
· Decentralize operational decision-making
· Strengthen border security
· Protect critical national infrastructure
· Enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations
· Enable faster military response to emerging threats nationwide
Presidential Commendation
President Tinubu praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers for their professionalism and dedication to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Onanuga reaffirmed that the administration remains committed to ensuring the military is well-equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of safeguarding the nation and its citizens.
