Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 Divisions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture and enhancing the military’s operational capacity to address emerging security threats.

The approval was announced in a statement on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the decision as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and improve national defence.

According to the Presidency, the restructuring builds on previous investments in the military, including the approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, the acquisition of military equipment and platforms, improved welfare for troops and continued support for operational readiness.

Under the new structure, four additional divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations across the country.

The Presidency said the expansion is expected to improve military command and control, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and support faster responses to insurgency, banditry and other security threats.

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 and the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026, while the second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and professionalism.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped and capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property across the country.