The Nigerian Army has announced a major restructuring of its operational command following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of four additional military divisions aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against insecurity.
The sweeping reorganisation, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, includes the appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), the activation of three new brigades, and a comprehensive redistribution of operational responsibilities across the country.
The Army described the development as a significant step in enhancing command and control, expanding troop deployment, improving border security, and strengthening its capacity to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the newly created divisions would commence operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while efforts continue toward achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC).
According to the statement, the phased rollout is designed to ensure operational continuity, seamless coordination, and rapid deployment of troops across various theatres of operation.
As part of the restructuring, the Nigerian Army has also reviewed the operational responsibilities of its divisions.
Under the new arrangement, 1 Division Kaduna will oversee security operations in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, while 2 Division Ibadan will be responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States.
3 Division Jos will now supervise Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
Among the newly established formations, 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will cover Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, while 9 Division, with headquarters in Ilorin, will oversee Kwara and Niger States.
Similarly, 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo, will be responsible for border security operations in Taraba and Adamawa States.
The Army also confirmed that 83 Division, with headquarters in Benin City, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States when it becomes fully operational later this year.
Existing formations retain their previous responsibilities, with 6 Division Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River; 7 Division Maiduguri handling Borno and Yobe; 8 Division Sokoto overseeing Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara; 81 Division Lagos responsible for Lagos and Ogun; and 82 Division Enugu maintaining operational control over Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
To provide leadership for the expanded force structure, the COAS approved the deployment of senior officers to head the new formations.
Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been redeployed from the Headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation SAVANNA SHIELD to lead the newly created 9 Division, Ilorin, where he will also serve as Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife moves from Headquarters 2 Division and Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to take charge of 10 Division, Jalingo, as General Officer Commanding.
Major General Moses Gara has been redeployed from Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE to head 5 Division, Makurdi, while also serving as Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
Also, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda leaves the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to assume duty as the new General Officer Commanding of 2 Division, Ibadan.
Three New Brigades Activated
In addition to the new divisions, the Army has activated three new brigades to reinforce its operational capacity.
Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi has been appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade, Gboko.
Brigadier General A.M. Haruna takes over as Commander of 29 Brigade, Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been posted to lead 10 Brigade, Lafia.
Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders, urging them to provide purposeful leadership, maintain operational momentum, and uphold professionalism, discipline, and mission effectiveness in the discharge of their duties.
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He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protecting lives and property, and supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace across the country.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the expansion, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a landmark development in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the new formations will significantly improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, accelerate troop deployment, and enhance the military’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging security threats while boosting joint operations with other security agencies nationwide.