Tinubu Unveils Major Army Expansion, Approves 28,000 New Recruits and Four Additional Divisions
- By Metropolix ~
- July 25, 2026 --
- 0 Comment
— President Tinubu
By Muyiwa Akinola
According to the report from major newspapers on Thursday, July 23, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has approved a major restructuring of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational divisions from eight to twelve while authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the Armed Forces’ capacity to respond to the country’s changing security challenges.
The expansion also forms part of broader investments in military equipment, troop welfare, operational readiness and force modernisation.
Under the new arrangement, four additional divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
Existing divisions will continue operating from Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos and Enugu, with each headquarters overseeing designated states across the federation.
The Presidency said the new structure is expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure and enhance counter-insurgency and other internal security operations.
The statement added: “The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.”
Implementation will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, covering the creation of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is scheduled for completion by September 2026.
The second phase, which includes establishing the 83 Division and further restructuring, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
President Tinubu also commended Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, officers and soldiers for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to keep the Armed Forces adequately equipped, motivated and prepared to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect citizens.
RELATED ARTICLES
