President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping restructuring of the Nigerian Army,expanding its operational framework from eight to twelve divisions and authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga described the new regime as a landmark move to reinforce the country’s national security architecture.
The approval, announced in a statement issued by the Statehouse, is expected to significantly enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness, decentralise command and control, and improve response times to emerging security threats across the federation.
Strengthening National Defence
According to the Presidency, the decision underscores Mr. Tinubu’s “unwavering commitment” to equipping the Armed Forces to confront Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. It builds on a series of sustained investments by the administration, including the acquisition of critical military platforms, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
“The expansion will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, and enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure,” the statement noted, adding that it would also bolster counter-insurgency and internal security operations nationwide.
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The New 12-Division Structure
Under the reorganised framework, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions strategically positioned across the country:
| 1 Division | Kaduna | Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa
| 2 Division | Ibadan | Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo
| 3 Division | Jos | Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe
| 5 Division | Makurdi | Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi
| 6 Division | Port Harcourt | Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River
| 7 Division | Maiduguri | Borno, Yobe
| 8 Division | Sokoto | Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara
| 9 Division | Ilorin | Kwara, Niger
| 10 Division | Jalingo | Taraba, Adamawa
| 81 Division | Lagos | Lagos, Ogun
| 82 Division | Enugu | Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo
| 83 Division | Benin City | Edo, Delta, Bayelsa.
The establishment of four new divisions — in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City — is expected to close longstanding gaps in territorial coverage, particularly in regions confronting banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and threats to critical national infrastructure.
The restructuring will be executed in two phases beginning with the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, to be completed by September 2026 while the second phase is the stablishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, expected to be concluded by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, along with all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their “dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring that they remain “adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.”
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