President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions in a major move aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture and improving military operations nationwide.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the approval reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle evolving security challenges and strengthen national defence.
The expansion builds on the Federal Government’s ongoing investments in the military, including the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, the acquisition of military equipment, improved troop welfare, and continued support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across the country. New divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, alongside existing headquarters in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos and Enugu.
According to the Presidency, the new divisions will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster responses to emerging threats.
Implementation will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, will be completed by December 2026.
