President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions in a major restructuring aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the military’s response to emerging threats nationwide.
The approval, announced on Thursday, is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and reinforce national defence in the face of evolving security challenges.
The expansion follows a series of investments by the Tinubu administration in the military, including the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of modern combat platforms and equipment, improved welfare packages for troops, and increased support for operational readiness.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will now operate 12 divisions strategically located across the federation to improve command and control and ensure faster deployment of troops.
The divisions are headquartered in Kaduna (1 Division), Ibadan (2 Division), Jos (3 Division), Makurdi (5 Division), Port Harcourt (6 Division), Maiduguri (7 Division), Sokoto (8 Division), Ilorin (9 Division), Jalingo (10 Division), Lagos (81 Division), Enugu (82 Division) and Benin City (83 Division).
According to the new arrangement, the newly created formations in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will provide more effective military coverage across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Adamawa, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
Military authorities said the additional divisions would enhance operational flexibility, decentralise decision-making, strengthen border security, improve the protection of critical national assets, and reinforce counter-insurgency, anti-banditry and other internal security operations across the country.
The implementation of the restructuring will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase, scheduled for completion by September 2026, will involve the establishment of the 5 Division in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin, the 10 Division in Jalingo, as well as the reorganisation of existing formations.
The second phase, expected to be completed by December 2026, will focus on establishing the 83 Division in Benin City alongside further restructuring of the Army’s operational formations.
President Tinubu described the expansion as another milestone in his administration’s commitment to building a more capable, responsive and professional military.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces, assuring that the military would continue to receive the equipment, training and welfare support required to effectively defend the country and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
Security analysts believe the new force structure will significantly improve operational coordination and enable quicker responses to security threats, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and attacks on critical infrastructure.
The expansion also represents one of the most significant organisational reforms in the Nigerian Army in recent years, reflecting the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen national security through improved force deployment and enhanced military capabilities.
