President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve the military's operational capacity across the country.
The approval was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the initiative forms part of the administration's broader commitment to modernising the Armed Forces and enhancing their ability to address the country's evolving security challenges.
According to the statement, the restructuring will increase the number of Army divisions from eight to 12, with new divisional headquarters to be established in Makurdi (5 Division), Ilorin (9 Division), Jalingo (10 Division), and Benin City (83 Division).
The Federal Government said the additional divisions are expected to bring military leadership closer to operational areas, improve command and control, strengthen border security, protect critical national assets, and enhance the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Beyond the structural expansion, President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 28,000 new soldiers, acquisition of additional military equipment, improvement in the welfare of officers and soldiers, and continued investment in the modernisation of the Nigerian Army. The recruitment plan aligns with earlier announcements by the Army to boost manpower for ongoing security operations nationwide.
The implementation will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed before September 2026, while the second phase, including the establishment of the 83 Division and related restructuring, is scheduled for completion before December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity and national unity.
The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they are adequately equipped, motivated and prepared to protect lives, property and the country's sovereignty amid ongoing security challenges.
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Security