Nigeria is set to undertake its most significant land force restructuring in decades following the approval of a new Nigerian Army force structure that expands the service from eight to twelve divisions, a move expected to strengthen command efficiency, decentralise military operations and improve response to emerging security threats across the country.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 15:45 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
The Presidency announced the decision through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval of the new force structure. The announcement stated that the expansion also includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as part of the administration's broader investment in military modernisation, operational readiness, equipment acquisition and troop welfare.
Under the approved structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions strategically distributed across the federation.
The force structure comprises 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 5 Division Makurdi, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 7 Division Maiduguri, 8 Division Sokoto, 9 Division Ilorin, 10 Division Jalingo, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu and the newly established 83 Division Benin City.
According to the Presidency, the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City is expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance protection of critical national infrastructure and improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
The approval forms part of the Federal Government's sustained investment in strengthening the Armed Forces.
Beyond the creation of new divisions, the Presidency noted that the programme includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, continued improvements in troop welfare and sustained support for operational preparedness as part of efforts to build a more capable and responsive military.
Implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase will cover the establishment of 5 Division Makurdi, 9 Division Ilorin and 10 Division Jalingo, alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, with completion targeted for September 2026.
The second phase, involving the establishment of 83 Division Benin City and further organisational adjustments, is expected to be completed 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 professionalism, dedication and commitment to defending Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to safeguard the nation against evolving security challenges.
🏷️ Tags: Nigeria, Presidency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, Defence Reform, Military Modernisation, National Security, Army Expansion
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