Tinubu Approves Four New Army Divisions, 28,000 Recruits To Boost Security

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

The approval was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, the expansion is designed to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity and improve its ability to respond to evolving security threats across the country.

“This 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 expansion builds on the administration’s ongoing investment in the Armed Forces, including the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, the acquisition of military hardware, improved troop welfare and continued force modernisation.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions nationwide, with four new divisions to be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.

The statement said the additional divisions would improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, boost counter-insurgency operations and enable faster responses to emerging security threats.

Implementation of the plan will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, involving the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions and 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, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, as well as officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and service to the country.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces, pledging continued investment to ensure the military remains well-equipped, motivated and capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.