BREAKING: Tinubu approves expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 divisions

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its divisions from eight to 12 and authorizing the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. This strategic move is designed to bolster the army's operational effectiveness and improve its capacity to address Nigeria's complex and evolving security landscape.

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The expansion builds on the administration’s sustained 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.

The expansion is part of a broader commitment to strengthening the nation's defense capabilities. It involves not only increasing troop numbers but also acquiring new military platforms and equipment, enhancing troop welfare, and supporting force modernization. The Presidency stated that this investment underscores the President's dedication to equipping the armed forces to meet current and future security demands.

Under the new structure, 12 army divisions will be strategically positioned nationwide. The establishment of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City is intended to improve command and control, decentralize decision-making, enhance border security, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure faster military responses to emerging threats. This restructuring aims to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts and internal security operations.

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The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City 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 implementation plan divides the expansion into two phases. Phase one, focusing on establishing the 5th, 9th, and 10th Divisions and reorganizing existing formations, is slated for completion by September 2026. Phase two, which includes establishing the 83rd Division and further reorganizations, is expected to conclude by December 2026. President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff and all army personnel for their dedication.

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The President 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 all Nigerians.”