President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the move is aimed at improving the Army’s operational effectiveness, enhancing command and control, strengthening border security, protecting critical national infrastructure and boosting counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
As part of the expansion, four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, increasing the Army’s presence across the country and enabling faster responses to emerging security threats.
The implementation will take place in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, which includes the creation of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026. The Presidency said the expansion builds on the administration’s ongoing investment in the Armed Forces, including troop recruitment, acquisition of military equipment, improved welfare and force modernisation.
President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and dedication to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces remain well-equipped, highly motivated and capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
