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

On July 24, President Bola Tinubu announced the approval of a restructuring that will increase the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions and add 28,000 new soldiers. The presidency said the move is intended to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve operational effectiveness.

83 in Benin, 9 in Ilorin as Tinubu approves Army expansion, 28,000 recruits: Full list of new Nigerian Army division headquarters

Nigeria faces a 17-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast, banditry and kidnappings in the northwest, communal violence in the centre, and separatist agitation in the southeast. The expansion is presented as a response to these overlapping threats.

UsNews and World Report

The reorganization creates four new divisional headquarters:

83 in Benin, 9 in Ilorin as Tinubu approves Army expansion, 28,000 recruits: Full list of new Nigerian Army division headquarters

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

Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Approval of Army Expansion

• 9 Division – Ilorin (Kwara, Niger)

Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Approval of Army Expansion

• 10 Division – Jalingo (Taraba, Adamawa)

Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Approval of Army Expansion

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

Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Approval of Army Expansion

Existing divisions will continue to operate from their current locations, covering the remaining states.

Tinubu expands army to 12 divisions, approves recruitment of 28,000

• Divisions: 12 total (8 existing + 4 new)

83 in Benin, 9 in Ilorin as Tinubu approves Army expansion, 28,000 recruits: Full list of new Nigerian Army division headquarters

• New personnel: 28,000 recruits

Tinubu expands army to 12 divisions, approves recruitment of 28,000

• Phased rollout: two stages, with the first set of new divisions operational early in the year and the final division ready by year-end.

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

• President Tinubu praised Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu and the troops for their professionalism.

President Tinubu Approves Army Expansion to Twelve Divisions Nationwide

• Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga said the expansion will improve command and control, decentralise decision-making, strengthen border security and accelerate responses to threats.

Tinubu Expands Army to 12 Divisions, Approves 28,000 Recruitment

• Senator Ahmad Lawan called the restructuring a strategic step that will broaden coverage, reduce response times and create jobs for young Nigerians.

Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Approval of Army Expansion

• CPTA Executive Director Patrick Ogheneyero urged that the expansion be matched with adequate funding, modern equipment and continuous training.

Group backs Army expansion to 12 divisions

Dr. Sani Abubakar, a defence expert, welcomed the strategic intent but cautioned that success depends on financing, modern equipment, troop welfare, technology and broader reforms across security agencies. He warned that without these measures the new structure may fall short.

Expert Hails Tinubu for Approving Army Expansion to 12 Divisions

The rollout will occur in two phases. Phase one, establishing the 5th, 9th and 10th divisions and reorganising existing formations, is slated for early-year completion. Phase two, creating the 83rd Division and further restructuring, is projected for year-end.

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

The presidency expects the expanded force to:

83 in Benin, 9 in Ilorin as Tinubu approves Army expansion, 28,000 recruits: Full list of new Nigerian Army division headquarters

• Enhance command and control nationwide

Tinubu Expands Army to 12 Divisions, Approves 28,000 Recruitment

• Bring operational decision-making closer to conflict zones

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

• Strengthen border security and protect critical infrastructure

Tinubu Approves Major Nigerian Army Expansion, Boosts Strength With 28,000 New Personnel

• Improve counter-insurgency and internal-security operations

Tinubu Approves Major Nigerian Army Expansion, Boosts Strength With 28,000 New Personnel

• Enable faster military responses to emerging threats

Tinubu Approves Major Nigerian Army Expansion, Boosts Strength With 28,000 New Personnel

All sources convey a consistent description of the expansion plan, its scope and intended benefits. No substantive discrepancies or missing information were identified.

Group backs Army expansion to 12 divisions