AThe Nigerian Army has taken a major step toward strengthening the country’s security architecture following the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for newly created military divisions approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The appointments, announced by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, come after the Federal Government authorized the establishment of four additional army divisions as part of efforts to improve military operations and expand the Army’s presence across the country.
According to the Army, the restructuring is designed to improve command and control, accelerate troop deployment, enhance border security, and increase the military’s ability to respond to emerging security threats nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the newly established divisions would commence operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while work continues toward achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC).
The phased implementation, the statement noted, is intended to ensure uninterrupted military operations while enabling the new formations to become fully operational over time.
As part of the restructuring, the Nigerian Army has redefined the operational responsibilities of its divisions across the federation.
Under the new arrangement:
- 1 Division, Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.
- 2 Division, Ibadan will be responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
- 3 Division, Jos will cover Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
- 5 Division, Makurdi will take charge of Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
- 6 Division, Port Harcourt will continue operations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
- 7 Division, Maiduguri will oversee Borno and Yobe States.
- 8 Division, Sokoto will retain responsibility for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
- 9 Division, Ilorin will supervise Kwara and Niger States.
- 10 Division, Jalingo will focus on Taraba and Adamawa States, particularly border security operations.
- 81 Division, Lagos will continue to oversee Lagos and Ogun States.
- 82 Division, Enugu will retain responsibility for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
- 83 Division, Benin City, expected to become operational later in the year, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
To provide leadership for the new formations, the Army approved several high-level postings.
Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been posted to lead 9 Division, Ilorin, where he will also serve as Commander of Operation Savannah Shield.
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will head 10 Division, Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara has been assigned to command 5 Division, Makurdi, alongside leadership of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke.
Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has also been deployed to 2 Division, Ibadan, as General Officer Commanding.
The Army also announced the activation of three additional brigades to reinforce the expanded force structure.
Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi will command the newly established 11 Brigade, Gboko, while Brigadier General A.M. Haruna has been appointed Commander of 29 Brigade, Kainji.
Brigadier General R.M. Aminu will take charge of 10 Brigade, Lafia.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed commanders to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and effective leadership while sustaining operational momentum across their areas of responsibility.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, safeguarding citizens, and working with other security agencies to address insecurity nationwide.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Army’s force structure, describing the move as a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the additional divisions will improve operational coordination, strengthen border protection, enable quicker deployment of personnel and resources, and enhance the military’s ability to confront evolving security challenges.
He added that the expanded structure would also reinforce joint military operations and contribute to lasting peace, stability and national security across Nigeria.
