Tinubu orders army expansion, approves recruitment of 28,000 personnel

President Bola Tinubu has approved the increase in the number of Nigerian Army divisions from eight to 12 as well as the enlistment of 28,000 troops in the course of the government’s plan to bolster the nation’s security structure and increase the military’s capacity.

The news was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stating that the decision is consistent with the government’s determination to improve the country’s national security structure and arm the Armed Forces to handle new challenges in the nation.

Onanuga explained that the increase is one of the measures taken by the Federal Government in order to invest in the military through enlistment, equipment procurement and force modernisation, among other initiatives.

“The approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further,” the statement said.

The Presidency noted that the restructuring will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making and enhance the Army’s ability to respond swiftly to security threats nationwide.

It added that the creation of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City would strengthen border security, improve counter-insurgency operations, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and boost internal security operations.

The restructuring will be implemented in two phases.

The first phase, expected to be completed by September 2026, will cover the establishment of the 5 Division (Makurdi), 9 Division (Ilorin) and 10 Division (Jalingo), alongside the reorganisation of existing military formations.

The second phase, scheduled for completion by December 2026, will involve the establishment of the 83 Division (Benin City) and additional restructuring of Army formations.

President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces remain well-equipped, highly motivated and capable of protecting Nigerians and defending the nation’s sovereignty.

Nigerian Army divisions and operational coverage

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate the following 12 divisions:

– 1 Division – Kaduna: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.
– 2 Division – Ibadan: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
– 3 Division – Jos: Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.
– 5 Division – Makurdi: Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
– 6 Division – Port Harcourt: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
– 7 Division – Maiduguri: Borno and Yobe states.
– 8 Division – Sokoto: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
– 9 Division – Ilorin: Kwara and Niger states.
– 10 Division – Jalingo: Taraba and Adamawa states.
– 81 Division – Lagos: Lagos and Ogun states.
– 82 Division – Enugu: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.
– 83 Division – Benin City: Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

The Presidency said the expanded force structure is expected to significantly improve the Army’s operational effectiveness and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security challenges.