By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia
THE NIGERIAN Army’s structure has expanded from eight to 12 divisions following the approval granted by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the military.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that that the approval underscores the President’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.
The expansion builds on the administration’s investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across the country.
The headquarters are located in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Jalingo, Lagos, Enugu and Benin City, with responsibility for designated states.
The release stated that the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will 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.
Implementation of the new force structure 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, will be completed by September 2026.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
In a statement dated 23 July 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also reaffirmed the administration’s determination 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 all Nigerians.
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