Nigerian Army Expansion has entered a major phase after President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of four new army divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security. The sweeping military reform aims to improve command structures, enhance troop deployment and boost the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle evolving security threats across Nigeria.
The approval raises the number of Nigerian Army divisions from eight to 12, reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening defence capabilities through increased manpower, improved logistics and modern military infrastructure.
Nigerian Army Expansion Raises Divisions to 12
Under the Nigerian Army Expansion plan, four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.
The restructuring creates the following divisional headquarters:
- 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
- 83 Division – Benin City
The Presidency said the expanded structure will decentralise operational command, improve troop mobility, strengthen border security and enable quicker military responses to emerging threats across the federation.
Officials also believe the additional divisions will improve the protection of critical national infrastructure while reinforcing counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
Nigerian Army Expansion Includes 28,000 New Personnel
A key component of the Nigerian Army Expansion programme is the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers to reinforce operational capacity nationwide.
President Tinubu said the expansion demonstrates his administration’s determination to maintain a well-equipped, adequately staffed and combat-ready military capable of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and citizens.
The recruitment follows sustained investments in military modernisation, including improved welfare packages, acquisition of combat platforms, enhanced logistics support and upgraded operational equipment.
The government expects the larger force to improve deployment flexibility and strengthen ongoing security operations across different regions.
Implementation Will Be Completed in Two Phases
The Nigerian Army Expansion programme will be implemented in two stages.
The first phase covers the establishment of the 5 Division in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin and the 10 Division in Jalingo. Authorities expect this phase to conclude by September 2026.
The second phase includes the creation of the 83 Division in Benin City and additional structural adjustments. The government plans to complete this phase by December 2026.
The Presidency described the phased implementation as necessary to ensure efficient deployment of personnel, infrastructure and operational resources.
Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Uniform Sales
While announcing the military restructuring, authorities also disclosed that the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps declared Private Mohammed Amutu wanted over allegations of illegally selling military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.
According to the Army, preliminary investigations showed that the soldier, who served at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026.
Military authorities said security agencies are working to locate and arrest him for investigation and disciplinary action under existing military laws.
The Army warned that any personnel found aiding terrorists or criminals through the unauthorised sale or diversion of military equipment would face severe military and civil penalties.
It also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in his arrest.
Operation Hadin Kai Clears Nigerien National
Separately, Operation Hadin Kai dismissed reports linking a Nigerien national, Aboubakar Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi, to terrorist activities.
Troops intercepted Zein-Nur during operations in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State following an attack near Cross Kauwa.
However, after extensive profiling and intelligence assessments, military authorities concluded that he had no affiliation with any terrorist organisation.
Operation Hadin Kai explained that the Nigerien citizen is a camel rearer from Bosso in the Republic of Niger who frequently moves across border communities for his livelihood.
Military officials stressed that security forces will continue to screen individuals intercepted during operations to distinguish innocent civilians from terrorist suspects.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Military Modernisation
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, alongside officers and soldiers, for their professionalism and dedication to national security.
He reaffirmed that his administration will continue investing in manpower, advanced military equipment, troop welfare and operational capabilities.
The Nigerian Army Expansion marks one of the most significant military restructuring efforts in recent years and underscores the government’s strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture amid persistent threats from insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities.
