Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 Divisions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army's structure from eight to twelve divisions in a major effort to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and improve the military's operational effectiveness.
The approval, granted by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reflects the administration's commitment to enhancing the Armed Forces' capacity to tackle the country's evolving security challenges and bolster national defence.
The expansion builds on the government's ongoing investments in the military, including the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, procurement of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Benue State; Ilorin, Kwara State; Jalingo, Taraba State; and Benin City, Edo State.
According to the government, the new divisions are expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military responses to emerging security threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5 Division, 9 Division, and 10 Division, along with the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The expansion marks one of the most significant reorganisations of the Nigerian Army in recent years as the government seeks to improve security operations across the country.