President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve military effectiveness.
The restructuring reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through improved operational readiness, stronger command structures, and greater nationwide coverage.
The expansion complements ongoing investments in the military, including the approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of essential military equipment and platforms, improved welfare for troops, and continued support for force modernisation.
Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions with headquarters strategically located across the country:
1)1 Division – Kaduna: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States
2)2 Division – Ibadan: Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States
3)3 Division – Jos: Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States
4) 5 Division – Makurdi: Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States
5)6 Division – Port Harcourt: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States
6)7 Division – Maiduguri: Borno and Yobe States
7)8 Division – Sokoto: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States
8)9 Division – Ilorin: Kwara and Niger States
09)10 Division – Jalingo: Taraba and Adamawa States
10)81 Division – Lagos: Lagos and Ogun States
11)82 Division – Enugu: Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States
12)83 Division – Benin City: Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States
The creation of new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City is expected to improve military coordination, decentralise decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical infrastructure, enhance counter-insurgency operations, and enable faster responses to emerging threats.
Implementation of the new structure will take place in two phases. The first phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and additional restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue strengthening the Armed Forces by providing the resources, equipment, and support required to ensure they remain capable of protecting the nation and securing the lives and property of Nigerians.