Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army from Eight to Twelve Divisions
Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army from Eight to Twelve Divisions
Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army from Eight to Twelve Divisions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational structure from eight to twelve divisions in a major step aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture and enhancing military operational effectiveness.
The approval, announced on 23 July 2026, reflects the administration’s continued commitment to improving Nigeria’s defence capabilities and equipping the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats across the country.
The expansion forms part of broader reforms by the Tinubu administration, which include the approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel, the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and sustained investments in operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the federation:
1 Division, Kaduna – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.
2 Division, Ibadan – Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
3 Division, Jos – Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
5 Division, Makurdi – Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
6 Division, Port Harcourt – Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
7 Division, Maiduguri – Borno and Yobe States.
8 Division, Sokoto – Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
9 Division, Ilorin – Kwara and Niger States.
10 Division, Jalingo – Taraba and Adamawa States.
81 Division, Lagos – Lagos and Ogun States.
82 Division, Enugu – Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
83 Division, Benin City – Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
According to the Presidency, the creation of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City is expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, reinforce counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and enable faster military response to emerging threats.
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, while the second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army from Eight to Twelve Divisions
