How Nigeria’s 12 Army divisions are spread across six geopolitical zones

Nigeria's military command structure has undergone a significant reshaping with President Bola Tinubu's approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. This strategic move is designed to bolster internal security and enhance operational effectiveness throughout the nation. The expansion has led to the establishment of new divisions, including the 5th Division in Makurdi, the 9th in Ilorin, the 10th in Jalingo, and the 83rd in Benin City, alongside the integration of existing formations.

The newly structured Army will distribute its 12 divisions across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The North-East region will host the largest concentration with three divisions, while the North-West, North-Central, South-West, and South-South zones will each have two divisions. The South-East zone will have one division. This geographical distribution aims to improve command and control mechanisms, facilitate more efficient troop deployment, and strengthen the military's capacity to address the country's diverse and evolving security challenges.

Details of the divisions reveal a mix of historical and newly established units. The 1st Division, headquartered in Kaduna, was formed during the Nigerian Civil War and is responsible for securing the North-Western flank and borders. Similarly, the 2nd Division in Ibadan and the 3rd Division in Jos, also established during the Civil War, oversee operations in the South-West and North-Eastern flanks, respectively. The 3rd Division is noted as an armored division, while the 1st and 2nd are mechanized infantry formations.

The newly created 5th Division, based in Makurdi, Benue State, will focus on military operations within Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, aiming to reinforce security in the North-Central region. The 6th Division, headquartered in Port Harcourt since November 2016, is tasked with securing the Niger Delta and coastal areas, including critical oil infrastructure. While official details on the formation type of the newest divisions are still being released, the overall expansion signifies a commitment to enhancing the Nigerian Army's reach and responsiveness.