Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions, Authorises Recruitment of 28,000 Personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational structure from eight to twelve divisions while authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. The move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security architecture, improving military response capabilities, and enhancing national defence against emerging security threats.

Key Takeaways

President Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions.

The administration also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.

Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.

The restructuring will be implemented in two phases, ending in December 2026.

The government says the expansion will improve command, border security and counter-insurgency operations nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a significant restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding its operational formation from eight to twelve divisions in what the Presidency describes as a landmark step toward strengthening Nigeria's security architecture and improving military operational effectiveness. The approval forms part of the administration's broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and address evolving security challenges through increased manpower, enhanced operational readiness and improved command structures.

Alongside the expansion, President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, while reaffirming continued investment in military platforms, operational equipment, troop welfare and force modernisation. According to the Presidency, the newly expanded force structure is expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency operations and enable faster military response to emerging threats across the country.

The Twelve Nigerian Army Divisions

Under the approved structure, the Nigerian Army will operate the following divisions:

1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States).

2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States).

3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States).

5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States).

6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States).

7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States).

8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States).

9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States).

10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States).

81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States).

82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States).

83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).

The Presidency stated that implementation will occur in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further organisational adjustments, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, together with officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for their professionalism and dedication in defending Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring that the Armed Forces remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to safeguard the nation.

Key Quotes

According to the Presidency, the expansion is intended to "enhance the country's security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army."

The Presidency further stated that the establishment of the new divisions will strengthen command and control, improve border security, enhance protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency operations and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to continuing investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped and operationally ready.

Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal conflicts in the North-Central, separatist-related violence in parts of the South-East, and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. Successive military reforms have focused on improving operational capacity, manpower and force deployment. The latest restructuring represents one of the most significant expansions of the Nigerian Army's divisional structure in recent decades.

Source: Statement issued by the Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), 23 July 2026.

Progressviews Analysis

The expansion reflects a strategic shift toward decentralised military command and wider operational coverage across Nigeria. By establishing additional divisions and increasing troop strength, the government aims to improve response times, enhance territorial control and strengthen military presence in areas experiencing persistent security threats. Successful implementation, however, will depend not only on organisational restructuring but also on sustained investment in logistics, training, intelligence capabilities and troop welfare.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

The approval marks one of the most ambitious military restructuring efforts under the current administration and demonstrates a long-term commitment to strengthening Nigeria's defence architecture. If effectively implemented, the expanded divisional structure could improve operational coordination and security coverage across the federation. Continued collaboration between security agencies, state governments and local communities will remain essential in translating these structural reforms into measurable improvements in national security.