Tinubu Expands Nigerian Army To 12 Divisions, To Recruit 28,000 Personnel

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions.

He also authorised the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel in a major overhaul aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

The Presidency said the move is designed to improve the Army’s operational effectiveness, enhance command and control, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure and boost counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

The new structure will see the establishment of four additional divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, bringing the total number of Army divisions to 12 across the country.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the expansion builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including the acquisition of military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare and continued support for force modernisation.

President Tinubu said the approval reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening national defence and ensuring the Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The implementation will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026, while the second phase, involving the creation of the 83 Division in Benin City, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Commending the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and personnel of the Nigerian Army, the President said they had demonstrated “dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain “adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.”