Tinubu expands Nigerian Army to 12 divisions, Approves 28,000 new recruits

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve the military’s operational effectiveness across the country.

The approval was announced in a State House statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who said the move underscores the administration’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to the statement, the expansion is part of the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the Armed Forces, which includes the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improved troop welfare, and enhanced operational readiness and force modernisation.

Onanuga said four new divisions would be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City to complement the existing formations, bringing the total number of Army divisions to 12 nationwide.

He explained that the new divisions would strengthen command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, improve border security, protect critical national infrastructure and enhance counter-insurgency and other internal security operations.

The statement added that implementation of the new force structure would be carried out in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by September 2026 and the second by December 2026.

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

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, saying they would remain “adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.”