From Victoria Jigah, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 Divisions, as part of efforts to broaden and strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
The reorganisation will also include the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost the Army’s operational capacity across the country.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the expansion was approved to address current and emerging security challenges.
He explained that the decision followed a review of the Army’s structure and its ability to respond effectively to threats in different regions.
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According to Onanuga, four new divisions will be created to complement the existing eight.
The new formations are 5 Division with headquarters in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin, 10 Division in Jalingo, and 83 Division in Benin City.
The locations, he said, were carefully selected to improve coverage in areas that have witnessed increased security concerns in recent years.
The presidential aide stated that the expansion is expected to improve command and control within the Army, enhance border security, and strengthen the protection of critical national infrastructure.
He added that it will also support ongoing counter-insurgency operations and enable faster military response to emerging threats in any part of the country.
Onanuga further noted that the implementation of the expansion will be done in two phases to ensure effective planning and deployment of resources.
The first phase is scheduled to be completed by September 2026, while the second phase will be concluded by December 2026. He said the phased approach will allow for proper training, equipping, and positioning of the new personnel and formations.
He stressed that the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers will run alongside the structural expansion.
This, he said, is to ensure that the new divisions are adequately manned and that existing units are reinforced to meet operational demands.
The recruitment exercise is expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians while also improving the Army’s manpower.
Describing the development as one of the most significant reorganisations of the Nigerian Army in recent years, Onanuga said it reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He added that by reconfiguring the Army’s structure and increasing its strength, the government aims to improve operational effectiveness, enhance national security, and ensure that the military remains responsive to the needs of citizens.
