Tinubu Expands Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding its divisions from eight to 12. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the country's security architecture and operational effectiveness.

The approval, communicated by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, reflects Tinubu's commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria's evolving security challenges. The expansion includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel and improvements in military equipment and troop welfare.

The new divisions will be strategically located across Nigeria, including locations such as Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, and Port Harcourt. The establishment of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City is expected to improve command and control, decentralize decision-making, and enhance border security.

The implementation will occur in two phases, with the first phase to be completed by September 2026 and the second by December 2026. Tinubu commended Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu and the Army personnel for their dedication to national defense.