New force structure to boost command, border security and counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force structure from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s operational effectiveness.
The Presidency disclosed that the approval builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of military equipment, improved troop welfare, and ongoing support for force modernisation and operational readiness.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the expanded structure underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle evolving security challenges and strengthen national defence capabilities.
Under the new arrangement, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. They include the 1 Division, Kaduna; 2 Division, Ibadan; 3 Division, Jos; 5 Division, Makurdi; 6 Division, Port Harcourt; 7 Division, Maiduguri; 8 Division, Sokoto; 9 Division, Ilorin; 10 Division, Jalingo; 81 Division, Lagos; 82 Division, Enugu; and 83 Division, Benin City.
The Presidency said the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City would significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, and enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
“The establishment of the new divisions will ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide,” the statement noted.
The 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.
The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi 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 commitment to continued investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.