President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to Punch, the approval is aimed at improving the Army’s operational effectiveness and enhancing its capacity to tackle evolving security challenges across the country.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the decision in a statement on Thursday, saying the move reflects Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces and boosting national defence.

The expansion forms part of the administration’s wider military investment, which includes recruiting additional personnel, acquiring critical military platforms and equipment, improving troop welfare, and supporting force modernisation.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City to improve military coordination, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, and enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

Implementation will take place in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5 Division in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin, and 10 Division in Jalingo, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication to national service. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and capable of protecting Nigeria.

The new divisional structure will comprise:

1 Division, Kaduna: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa.

2 Division, Ibadan: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo.

3 Division, Jos: Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe.

5 Division, Makurdi: Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi.

6 Division, Port Harcourt: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

7 Division, Maiduguri: Borno and Yobe.

8 Division, Sokoto: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.

9 Division, Ilorin: Kwara and Niger.

10 Division, Jalingo: Taraba and Adamawa.

81 Division, Lagos: Lagos and Ogun.

82 Division, Enugu: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo.

83 Division, Benin City: Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.