By Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, July 23, 2024
ABUJA — In a major move aimed at overhauling the nation’s security architecture and tackling emerging security threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions. Alongside the structural expansion, the President also authorized the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to bolster troop strength across the country.
The landmark approval was announced in an official statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the presidency, the strategic decision underscores President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to modernizing the Armed Forces and equipping them to protect the nation’s territorial integrity effectively.
Key Highlights of the Nigerian Army Expansion
New Divisions: 4 new operational divisions established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City.
Total Force Structure: Nigerian Army expands from 8 to 12 divisions nationwide.
Troop Augmentation: Recruitment of 28,000 new military personnel approved.
Implementation Timeline: Phase 1 to be completed by September 2026; Phase 2 by December 2026.
Distribution of the Four New Army Divisions
The establishment of the four new divisions brings the total operational divisions in the Nigerian Army to twelve, decentralizing command structures and ensuring localized security interventions:
5 Division Headquarters (Makurdi, Benue State): Covering Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.
9 Division Headquarters (Ilorin, Kwara State): Covering Kwara and Niger States.
10 Division Headquarters (Jalingo, Taraba State): Covering Taraba and Adamawa States.
83 Division Headquarters (Benin City, Edo State): Covering Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
Full Nationwide Army Division Structure
Under the newly approved structure, the Nigerian Army’s twelve operational divisions will be strategically distributed across all geo-political zones.
Strategic Impact and Implementation Timeline
The presidency emphasized that establishing these additional headquarters will significantly decentralize operational decision-making, enhance border security, and improve response times during security emergencies. It is also designed to boost counter-insurgency efforts, safeguard critical national infrastructure, and strengthen internal security operations.
”The establishment of the four new Divisions will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide,” Onanuga stated.
The restructuring will be executed in two distinct phases:
Phase One: Involves setting up the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions, alongside reorganizing existing military formations. This phase is scheduled for completion by September 2026.
Phase Two: Entails the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further force re-alignments, targeted for completion by December 2026.
Federal Commitment to Armed Forces Modernization
The expansion forms part of broader investments by the Federal Government toward military modernization, which includes acquiring state-of-the-art combat platforms, improving troop welfare, and ensuring operational readiness.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, alongside the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Reaffirming his administration’s support, the President assured that the government will continue to prioritize funding and resource allocation to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens.
