Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions, 28,000 New Recruits

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

The approval, announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the Armed Forces’ operational capacity and addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

According to the Presidency, the expansion forms part of a broader military modernisation programme that includes the acquisition of critical military equipment, enhanced troop welfare, improved operational readiness, and continuous support for force modernisation.

Onanuga stated that the additional divisions would improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency operations, and ensure faster responses to security threats nationwide.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will establish four additional divisions headquartered in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, bringing the total number of divisions to 12 strategically located formations across the country.

The restructuring will be implemented 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.

President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dedication to safeguarding the nation.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces remain well-equipped, highly motivated, and fully prepared to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and guarantee the safety of all citizens.

The 12 Army divisions will be headquartered in Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Jalingo, Lagos, Enugu, and Benin City, with each division assigned responsibility for designated states across the federation.