Tinubu Approves Four New Army Divisions, Orders Recruitment Of 28,000 Personnel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of four new Nigerian Army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, expanding the Army's operational structure from eight to 12 divisions.
The President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the country's security architecture and improve the military's capacity to tackle emerging security threats.
According to a statement by the President's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the expansion reflects the administration's commitment to modernising the Armed Forces through increased manpower, improved welfare, enhanced operational readiness and the acquisition of critical military equipment.
Under the new structure, the Army's headquarters will be strategically located across the country. The newly created formations include the 5 Division in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin, the 10 Division in Jalingo and the 83 Division in Benin City.
The Presidency said the new divisions would improve command and control, strengthen border security, decentralise military operations, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and ensure quicker responses to security threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026, while the second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. He reaffirmed his administration's resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped and capable of protecting Nigerians.
Security experts welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step towards improving the Army's operational effectiveness and nationwide presence. However, they stressed that the expansion must be supported with adequate funding, logistics, accommodation and equipment to achieve its objectives.
Former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd.), said the move was long overdue and commended the government for taking the initiative. He noted, however, that the recruitment of thousands of personnel would require substantial investment in infrastructure and welfare.
Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabir Adamu, also described the expansion as a positive development that would strengthen the military's presence across the country.
He added that while increasing troop strength would improve security operations, addressing poverty, unemployment, poor border security and other root causes of insecurity remained essential for lasting peace.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, praised President Tinubu for the approval, describing it as a strategic move that would enhance military response to security threats while creating employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians.
Several groups, including the Gamji Association of Nigeria (GAMA), the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kwara State and the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), also welcomed the decision. They expressed confidence that the additional Army divisions and new recruitment would strengthen security, promote stability and support economic development across the country.
The President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the country's security architecture and improve the military's capacity to tackle emerging security threats.
According to a statement by the President's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the expansion reflects the administration's commitment to modernising the Armed Forces through increased manpower, improved welfare, enhanced operational readiness and the acquisition of critical military equipment.
Under the new structure, the Army's headquarters will be strategically located across the country. The newly created formations include the 5 Division in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin, the 10 Division in Jalingo and the 83 Division in Benin City.
The Presidency said the new divisions would improve command and control, strengthen border security, decentralise military operations, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and ensure quicker responses to security threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026, while the second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. He reaffirmed his administration's resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped and capable of protecting Nigerians.
Security experts welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step towards improving the Army's operational effectiveness and nationwide presence. However, they stressed that the expansion must be supported with adequate funding, logistics, accommodation and equipment to achieve its objectives.
Former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd.), said the move was long overdue and commended the government for taking the initiative. He noted, however, that the recruitment of thousands of personnel would require substantial investment in infrastructure and welfare.
Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabir Adamu, also described the expansion as a positive development that would strengthen the military's presence across the country.
He added that while increasing troop strength would improve security operations, addressing poverty, unemployment, poor border security and other root causes of insecurity remained essential for lasting peace.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, praised President Tinubu for the approval, describing it as a strategic move that would enhance military response to security threats while creating employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians.
Several groups, including the Gamji Association of Nigeria (GAMA), the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kwara State and the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), also welcomed the decision. They expressed confidence that the additional Army divisions and new recruitment would strengthen security, promote stability and support economic development across the country.
