President Tinubu Approves Four More Divisions for Nigerian Army

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 national security and improve military operations across the country.

The Presidency announced the decision in a statement on Thursday via the X account of Bayo Onanuga, saying the move is aimed at improving the Army's ability to respond to Nigeria's security challenges.

According to the statement, the expansion "underscores the President's unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria's evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further."

The government said the new structure will establish additional divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, while existing divisions will continue to operate across other parts of the country.

It said the 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."

The Presidency said the expansion builds on the administration's earlier investments in the Armed Forces, including the approval to recruit 28,000 new personnel, acquire military equipment, improve troop welfare and strengthen operational readiness.

Implementation will take place 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, which includes the creation of the 83 Division in Benin City, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

Tinubu also praised Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their "dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces remain "adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians."