Army Reorganisation: Tinubu Approves 12-Division Structure, 28,000 New Troops

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

The Presidency disclosed the development in a statement, noting that the approval forms part of the administration’s continued investment in the military through personnel expansion, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, operational readiness and force modernisation.

According to the statement, the expanded force structure is designed to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s ability to respond effectively to emerging security threats across the country.

Under the new structure, the Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located nationwide. The existing formations include the 1 Division Headquarters in Kaduna, covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states; the 2 Division Headquarters in Ibadan, covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states; the 3 Division Headquarters in Jos, covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states; the 6 Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states; the 7 Division Headquarters in Maiduguri, covering Borno and Yobe states; the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto, covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states; the 81 Division Headquarters in Lagos, covering Lagos and Ogun states; and the 82 Division Headquarters in Enugu, covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.

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The newly approved divisions include the 5 Division Headquarters in Makurdi, which will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states; the 9 Division Headquarters in Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger states; the 10 Division Headquarters in Jalingo, covering Taraba and Adamawa states; and the 83 Division Headquarters in Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

The Presidency said the establishment of the new divisions would significantly enhance border security, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure, strengthen counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to security challenges across the federation.

Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.

The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to safeguard the nation’s security and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.