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 architecture and improve the military’s operational effectiveness across the country.
The Presidency announced that the approval is part of the administration’s broader commitment to reinforcing the Armed Forces through increased manpower, enhanced operational readiness, modern military equipment, improved troop welfare, and sustained investments in national security.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel into the Nigerian Army to support the expanded force structure and improve the military’s capacity to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The government explained that the approval reflects the President’s determination to ensure the Armed Forces remain adequately equipped and positioned to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and effectively respond to emerging security threats.
Under the newly approved structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across Nigeria.
The approved divisions include:
- 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.
- 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
- 3 Division Headquarters – Jos: Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
- 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi: Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
- 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
- 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri: Borno and Yobe States.
- 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
- 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin: Kwara and Niger States.
- 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo: Taraba and Adamawa States.
- 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos: Lagos and Ogun States.
- 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
- 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City: Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
The Presidency noted that the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City is expected to strengthen military command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, enhance border security, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure, reinforce counter-insurgency efforts, and ensure faster responses to security threats across the country.
According to the statement, the implementation of the expanded structure will take place in two phases.
The first phase, which covers the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, as well as officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to protect the country and guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
