President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions, along with the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, in a landmark move to strengthen national security.
The expansion, announced in a State House press release on Thursday, builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including the acquisition of critical military platforms, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
New Divisional Headquarters and Coverage
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions strategically positioned across the country:
· 1 Division – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa)
· 2 Division – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo)
· 3 Division – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe)
· 5 Division – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi) – New
· 6 Division – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River)
· 7 Division – Maiduguri (Borno, Yobe)
· 8 Division – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara)
· 9 Division – Ilorin (Kwara, Niger) – New
· 10 Division – Jalingo (Taraba, Adamawa) – New
· 81 Division – Lagos (Lagos, Ogun)
· 82 Division – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo)
· 83 Division – Benin City (Edo, Delta, Bayelsa) – New
The establishment of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation will be done in two phases. Phase one, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions, will be completed by September 2026. Phase two, involving the 83 Division, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and professionalism.