Buratai Commends Tinubu’s Approval of Nigerian Army Expansion to 12 Divisions, Says Move Will Strengthen National Security
Buratai Commends Tinubu's Approval of Nigerian Army Expansion to 12 Divisions, Says Move Will Strengthen National Security
Buratai Commends Tinubu’s Approval of Nigerian Army Expansion to 12 Divisions, Says Move Will Strengthen National Security
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions as a historic step that will significantly enhance Nigeria’s national security architecture and improve the military’s operational effectiveness.
In a detailed statement, Buratai said the approval, which also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, represents one of the most significant reforms in the history of the Nigerian Army and demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, the expansion comes at a critical time when Nigeria is confronting multiple security threats, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal conflicts in the North-Central, separatist violence in the South-East, crude oil theft in the South-South and other forms of organised crime across the country.
He explained that the previous eight-division structure had become overstretched due to the growing complexity of security operations nationwide, noting that the creation of four additional divisions would improve command and control, enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen logistics and enable faster military response to emerging threats.
Buratai noted that the reorganisation would ensure more effective military coverage across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with the newly approved divisions expected to strengthen security operations in strategic locations across the federation.
He also described the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers as a major investment in national security and youth development, saying the initiative would create employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians while boosting the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
According to the former Army Chief, the additional manpower would reduce operational pressure on serving troops, improve personnel rotation, enhance specialist training and strengthen the military’s overall force generation capability.
Buratai further highlighted the importance of sustained investment in modern military equipment, intelligence assets, surveillance systems, communication technology, armoured vehicles, artillery platforms, logistics support and cyber capabilities to complement the planned force expansion.
He observed that the Nigerian Army’s ongoing modernisation programme would place the Service in a stronger position to confront emerging security threats and effectively support joint military operations across the country.
The retired General also urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to sustain increased funding for the Armed Forces, stressing that adequate financing remains essential for the successful implementation of the expansion programme.
He called on state governments, the private sector, traditional institutions and local communities to support the initiative through partnerships, infrastructure development and stronger civil-military cooperation.
Buratai maintained that a stronger and better-equipped Nigerian Army would not only improve national security but also strengthen democracy, protect critical national assets and promote economic development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities, while also praising the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his strategic leadership and efforts toward repositioning the Nigerian Army to meet contemporary security challenges.
Buratai expressed optimism that the expansion would significantly enhance the Army’s ability to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect lives and property, and contribute to lasting peace, stability and national development.
Buratai Commends Tinubu’s Approval of Nigerian Army Expansion to 12 Divisions, Says Move Will Strengthen National Security
