President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The approval was disclosed on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the move underscores the President’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to respond more effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
According to the Presidency, the expansion is part of the administration’s broader investment in the military, including the acquisition of critical platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Onanuga said the creation of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City would improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, enhance counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats across the country.
The restructuring will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and commitment to defending the country.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of Nigerians.