President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City to improve military coordination, border security, counter-insurgency operations, and rapid response to emerging threats.
The restructuring will be implemented in two phases, with the first expected to be completed by September 2026 and the second by December 2026. The Presidency said the move forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces through increased recruitment, improved troop welfare, and the acquisition of critical military equipment.
