Tinubu approves expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions, authorises recruitment of 28,000 personnel

President Bola Ahmed 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 the military’s operational effectiveness.

The approval was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to the statement, the expansion forms part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to modernise the military through increased investment in personnel, equipment, troop welfare and operational readiness.

As part of the initiative, President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel into the Nigerian Army to boost manpower and improve its ability to respond to security threats across the country.

The new force structure will see the Army operate 12 divisions nationwide, with four additional divisions to be established in Makurdi, Benue State; Ilorin, Kwara State; Jalingo, Taraba State; and Benin City, Edo State.

The Presidency said the new divisions are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, reinforce counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats.

Implementation of the restructuring will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

The second phase, involving the creation of the 83 Division and additional reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be concluded by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of safeguarding Nigeria and protecting the lives and property of its citizens.