President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The approval was announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the move is aimed at boosting the Army’s operational capacity and improving its response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
According to the Presidency, the expansion forms part of the administration’s broader investment in the Armed Forces, including the acquisition of military equipment, improved troop welfare, force modernisation and enhanced operational readiness.
Under the new structure, four additional divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City to improve command and control, decentralise military operations, strengthen border security and enhance counter insurgency efforts across the country.
The implementation will be carried out 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, while the second phase, involving the creation of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their commitment to national security, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces.
