Insecurity: Tinubu approves recruitment of 28,000 personnel, expansion of Nigerian army to 12 Divisions

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant expansion of the Nigerian Army's structure, increasing its divisions from eight to 12. This move is intended to enhance national security and improve the army's operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria's evolving security challenges.

The presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that this expansion underscores the president's commitment to equipping the armed forces. The initiative builds on existing investments, including the approval for recruiting 28,000 new personnel, acquiring critical military equipment, and improving troop welfare.

Under the new structure, the 12 divisions will be strategically positioned across the country. New headquarters will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. These new formations are expected to improve command and control, decentralize decision-making, strengthen border security, and ensure faster military responses to emerging threats.

The implementation will occur in two phases. The first phase, establishing three new divisions and reorganizing existing formations, is slated for completion by September 2026. The second phase, including the establishment of an additional division and further reorganization, is expected by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff and all army personnel for their dedication. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to continued investment in the armed forces to defend Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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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.