Nigerian Army Expands Force Structure with Four New Divisions, Appoints New GOCs

​ABUJA — In a major overhaul of the nation’s defense architecture, the Nigerian Army has established four new divisions to bolster operational efficiency and tackle evolving security challenges across the country.

​The expansion, approved by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu, brings the total number of Nigerian Army divisions to eleven. This strategic reorganization aims to enhance command and control, improve regional security coordination, and accelerate troop deployment.

​Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has cleared the appointment of seasoned senior officers to head the newly formed and existing divisions under a comprehensively revised Area of Responsibility (AOR) framework.

​New Divisions and Leadership Postings

• ​9 Division (Ilorin): Covers Kwara and Niger States. Led by Major General Yakubu Yahaya, who also assumes command of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.
• ​10 Division (Jalingo): Responsible for the border regions of Taraba and Adamawa States. Commanded by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife.
• ​5 Division (Makurdi): Covers Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States. Commanded by Major General Moses Gara, who serves concurrently as Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.
• ​83 Division (Benin City): Set to cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States upon activation later in the year.

​Additionally, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has been redeployed from the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to take over as General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan, which now covers Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States.

​Restructured Divisional Areas of Responsibility

​With the creation of the new formations, the Nigerian Army has adjusted its jurisdictional coverage nationwide:

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• ​1 Division (Kaduna): Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.
• ​3 Division (Jos): Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe States.
• ​6 Division (Port Harcourt): Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
• ​7 Division (Maiduguri): Borno and Yobe States.
• ​8 Division (Sokoto): Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
• ​81 Division (Lagos): Lagos and Ogun States.
• ​82 Division (Enugu): Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Imo States.

​New Brigade Commanders Appointed

​To reinforce the operational capacity of the expanded structure, three new brigades have also been activated:

• ​11 Brigade (Gboko): Commanded by Brigadier General AO Odubiyi.
• ​29 Brigade (Kainji): Commanded by Brigadier General AM Haruna.
• ​10 Brigade (Lafia): Commanded by Brigadier General RM Aminu.

​Operational Phasing and Command Expectations

​According to the Army Headquarters, the newly established divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with a phased progression toward Full Operational Capability (FOC).

​Charging the newly appointed commanders to maintain strict professionalism, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that the expansion will provide greater tactical flexibility, strengthen border protection, and foster tighter collaboration with other security agencies to secure lasting peace across Nigeria.