President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve military operations across various regions.

The approval includes an increase in the Army’s force structure from its current formations to 12 operational divisions nationwide.

It also comes with the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost manpower and enhance the military’s capacity to tackle security threats.

According to the Federal Government, this will help compliment efforts to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security challenges facing the country.

Under the new arrangement, the Nigerian Army will operate through 12 divisions strategically located across the country.

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

Military authorities said the implementation of the new structure will be carried out in phases.

According to the plan, the first phase will involve the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 Divisions, alongside the reorganisation of some existing formations. The phase is expected to be completed by September 2026.

The second phase will focus on the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and additional restructuring measures. It is projected to be concluded by December 2026.

The expansion is expected to bring military formations closer to several states that currently rely on neighbouring divisions for operational support.

The recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers is also expected to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorist groups, armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in different parts of the country.

Recall, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian military. He assured troops that their sacrifices in defence of the country would not be in vain.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast (Iftar) with members of the Armed Forces at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on March, the President praised military personnel for their dedication and courage in confronting security threats across the country.

“I commend your courage, sacrifice, and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens,” Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged the difficult conditions under which many soldiers operate, noting that several personnel spend long periods away from their families while serving on the frontlines.

“I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff on my recent approvals to the Nigerian Armed Forces. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation,” he stated.

Tinubu further assured troops that his administration would continue to support the military through improved welfare packages, equipment acquisition and better operational resources.

“Together we shall prevail. Your sacrifice will not be in vain,” the President told the troops.

Moreover, the Federal Government has approved measures targeted at strengthening military capabilities, including the procurement of equipment, improved accommodation for personnel and enhanced allowances for officers and soldiers.

The President has also repeatedly stressed the need for technology-driven security operations, insisting that modern warfare requires intelligence-led and technologically advanced strategies.

During the Nigerian Army Day Celebration earlier this year, Tinubu reiterated his determination to defeat insecurity through improved military capacity and strategic investments in modern equipment.

He said the government remained focused on building a professional, well-equipped and highly motivated military capable of responding to emerging security threats.