The Nigerian Army has commenced the operational rollout of its expanded force structure with the activation of three new divisions, three additional brigades and the appointment of General Officers Commanding to lead the new formations, marking one of the most significant command reorganisations in recent years as the Service positions itself for faster responses to Nigeria's evolving security threats.
Desk: Defence
Date: 29 July 2026
Time: 10:56 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
The restructuring followed the approval of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, after President and Commander-in-Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, authorised the expansion of the Nigerian Army.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele disclosed that the newly established formations will begin operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability before progressing to Full Operational Capability under a phased implementation plan designed to ensure operational continuity and rapid force projection nationwide.
The reorganisation establishes 5 Division Makurdi, responsible for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger States; and 10 Division Jalingo, responsible for Taraba and Adamawa border areas. The 83 Division Benin City, which will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States, will become operational later this year. Existing divisions also received revised Areas of Responsibility to strengthen nationwide command and control.
To provide leadership for the expanded force structure, Lieutenant General Shaibu approved the appointment of experienced senior officers to the new formations. Major General Moses Gara assumes command of 5 Division Makurdi and Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Yakubu Yahaya takes over 9 Division Ilorin alongside Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, while Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife becomes the pioneer General Officer Commanding 10 Division Jalingo. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was also appointed General Officer Commanding 2 Division Ibadan.
The Army equally activated 11 Brigade Gboko, 29 Brigade Kainji and 10 Brigade Lafia to reinforce the new operational architecture. Brigadier General AO Odubiyi, Brigadier General AM Haruna and Brigadier General RM Aminu were appointed to command the respective brigades.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders to sustain operational momentum through professionalism, discipline and effective leadership. He noted that the expanded structure will improve command and control, accelerate troop deployment, strengthen border security and enhance the Nigerian Army's capacity to respond decisively to emerging threats across the country.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting what he described as a historic expansion of the Nigerian Army, stating that the additional divisions and brigades will strengthen joint operations, improve inter-agency coordination and reinforce Nigeria's long-term national security architecture.
🏷️ Tags: Zig Press Release, Defence, Nigerian Army, Force Expansion, Army Divisions, Army Brigades, Military Leadership, National Security
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