Nigerian Army Set for Major Restructuring as Tinubu Approves Four New Divisions

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding its operational structure from eight to 12 divisions and authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.

The approval, announced in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond to Nigeria’s changing security landscape.

Beyond the expansion, the administration said it is investing in new military platforms and equipment, improving troop welfare, and supporting force modernisation to improve operational effectiveness.

The newly approved structure places Army division headquarters across the country, including Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Jalingo, Lagos, Enugu and Benin City.

The Presidency stated: “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.”

Implementation will take place in two stages. The first phase, which includes creating the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and reorganising existing formations, is targeted for completion by September 2026, while the second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is expected to conclude by December 2026.

President Tinubu praised Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu and members of the Nigerian Army for their commitment and professionalism, reiterating his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces so they remain fully prepared to defend Nigeria and protect its citizens.

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