Tinubu Approves Nigerian Army Expansion to 12 Divisions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. This decision, announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to enhance the Army's operational effectiveness and capacity to address evolving security challenges.

The new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, improving military coordination and response times. The restructuring will occur in two phases: the first phase, establishing the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions, is expected to be completed by September 2026, while the second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division, will conclude by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Army personnel for their dedication to national defense, reaffirming the administration's commitment to investing in the Armed Forces.