BREAKING: Tinubu Unveils Biggest Nigerian Army Expansion In Decades, Expands Divisions To 12, Approves Recruitment Of 28,000 Personnel

• Largest Army Restructuring in Decades: President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions in a sweeping reform aimed at strengthening national defence and improving operational effectiveness.

• 28,000 New Soldiers Approved: The Federal Government has authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional Army personnel to boost troop strength and reinforce ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

• Four New Divisions Across Nigeria: New Army formations will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City to improve command and control, enhance border security and ensure faster military response nationwide.

• Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Military Modernisation: The President pledged sustained investment in military hardware, troop welfare, logistics and operational readiness as part of his administration’s strategy to restore peace and national security.

July 23, () — President Bola Tinubu has approved the largest expansion of the Nigerian Army in decades, authorising the increase of its divisional structure from eight to 12 formations and approving the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel in a bold move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the military’s operational capabilities.

The landmark approval, announced on Thursday in a State House statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, represents one of the most ambitious military reforms undertaken since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

The decision comes amid persistent security challenges across the country, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal conflicts in the North-Central, separatist violence in parts of the South-East, crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and widespread kidnapping-for-ransom across several states.

According to the Presidency, the expansion underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces with the manpower, structure and resources required to respond effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

Major Overhaul of Army Structure

The Presidency said the expansion is part of a broader military modernisation programme that has seen the Federal Government invest heavily in troop welfare, procurement of combat equipment, acquisition of strategic military platforms, logistics support, and improved operational readiness.

Beyond approving the recruitment of 28,000 new soldiers, the President also endorsed a comprehensive restructuring of the Army’s Command architecture to improve operational coordination and decentralise decision-making.

Officials believe the expanded structure will significantly enhance the military’s ability to respond rapidly to security emergencies while improving coordination among formations across the federation.

12 Divisions to Cover the Federation

Under the new force structure, the Nigerian Army will now operate 12 divisions strategically positioned across Nigeria.

The approved divisions are:

1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna: Covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.

2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan: Covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.

3 Division Headquarters – Jos: Covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.

5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi: Covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.

6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt: Covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri: Covering Borno and Yobe States.

8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto: Covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.

9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin: Covering Kwara and Niger States.

10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo: Covering Taraba and Adamawa States.

81 Division Headquarters – Lagos: Covering Lagos and Ogun States.

82 Division Headquarters – Enugu: Covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.

83 Division Headquarters – Benin City: Covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.

The Presidency said the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City would improve command and control, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and reinforce counter-insurgency and internal security operations nationwide.

It added that the restructuring would also ensure faster deployment of troops and more effective responses to emerging security threats across the country.

Implementation in Two Phases

The Federal Government said implementation of the new force structure would be carried out in two phases.

The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, as well as the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.

The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further structural adjustments, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

Military authorities are expected to commence the deployment of personnel, infrastructure and logistics immediately to ensure a seamless transition without disrupting ongoing operations.

President Commends Army Leadership

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, along with officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He assured the Armed Forces of his administration’s continued support through sustained investment in modern combat equipment, intelligence capabilities, troop welfare and capacity building.

The President reiterated that national security remains a top priority of his administration and pledged to ensure that the Armed Forces remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to protect Nigerians and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.