Jul 23, 2026

Tinubu Boosts Army to 12 Divisions, Recruits 28,000 Troops

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive move to confront Nigeria’s complex security challenges head-on, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.

Announced via a State House press release on July 23, 2026, this landmark restructuring represents a major investment in the nation’s defence architecture.

It aims to enhance operational effectiveness, improve command and control, and deliver faster military responses to emerging threats across the country.

The new structure strategically positions twelve divisions to cover all geopolitical zones, decentralizing decision-making while strengthening border security and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi); Ilorin (Kwara, Niger), Jalingo (Taraba, Adamawa), and Benin City (Edo, Delta, Bayelsa).

Full list of divisions and areas of responsibility:

- 1 Division – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa)

- 2 Division – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo)

- 3 Division – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe)

- 5 Division – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi)

- 6 Division – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River)

- 7 Division – Maiduguri (Borno, Yobe)

- 8 Division – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara)

- 9 Division – Ilorin (Kwara, Niger)

- 10 Division – Jalingo (Taraba, Adamawa)

- 81 Division – Lagos (Lagos, Ogun)

- 82 Division – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo)

- 83 Division – Benin City (Edo, Delta, Bayelsa)

This expansion builds on the Tinubu administration’s sustained support for the Armed Forces, including equipment acquisition, troop welfare improvements, and force modernization.

The restructuring will roll out in two phases. The first phase—establishing the 5th, 9th, and 10th Divisions plus reorganizing existing formations—targets completion by September 2026.

The second phase, including the 83rd Division, is slated for December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers for their dedication and professionalism in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Lt. Gen. Shuaibu, a battle-tested officer with extensive counter-insurgency experience (including command in Operation Hadin Kai), continues to drive the Army’s transformation into a more professional, adaptable, and resilient force.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to keep investing in the military, ensuring troops remain well-equipped, motivated, and ready to protect every Nigerian.

This bold step signals renewed determination to restore peace and security, offering hope to citizens weary of insurgency, banditry, and other threats.

As implementation begins, Nigerians will be watching closely for tangible improvements on the ground.