Nigeria’s security structure has received a major boost after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the creation of four new Nigerian Army divisions, leading to the immediate appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) across the country.
The move marks one of the biggest military reorganisations in recent years. Moreover, it is expected to strengthen command operations, improve troop deployment and enhance the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointments following the President’s approval for the expansion of the Army’s force structure. Meanwhile, the newly created divisions will begin operations after reaching their Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
In addition, military authorities said deliberate steps are being taken to ensure the formations achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) through a phased implementation process.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the restructuring is aimed at expanding the Army’s operational reach while improving command and control across different regions.
Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been redeployed from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, to lead the newly established 9 Division in Ilorin. He will also serve as Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.
Similarly, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been moved to the newly created 10 Division in Jalingo after serving at Headquarters 2 Division and Sector 3 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Furthermore, Major General Moses Gara was posted to the newly established 5 Division in Makurdi. He will also continue as Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.
In addition, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has been redeployed to Headquarters 2 Division in Ibadan as the new General Officer Commanding.
To strengthen the expanded force structure, three additional brigades have also been activated.
Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi will command the newly created 11 Brigade in Gboko. Meanwhile, Brigadier General A.M. Haruna has been posted to lead the 29 Brigade in Kainji.
Likewise, Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been appointed Commander of the newly established 10 Brigade in Lafia.
The reorganisation also changes the Army’s areas of responsibility across Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. However, 2 Division Ibadan will now supervise Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
Meanwhile, 3 Division Jos will remain responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.
The newly established 5 Division Makurdi will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states. Furthermore, 6 Division Port Harcourt will continue to cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The 7 Division Maiduguri retains responsibility for Borno and Yobe states. In addition, 8 Division Sokoto will continue operations across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The newly established 9 Division Ilorin will supervise Kwara and Niger states. Meanwhile, the 10 Division Jalingo will oversee Taraba and Adamawa states.
Also, 81 Division Lagos remains responsible for Lagos and Ogun states. Furthermore, 82 Division Enugu will continue to oversee Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.
A newly created 83 Division headquartered in Benin City will supervise Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states after its activation later this year.
Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders and urged them to remain focused on professionalism and operational success.
“He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens and supporting the attainment of enduring national peace and security.”
The Army Chief also praised President Tinubu for approving the expansion.
“He noted that the establishment of the additional Divisions represents a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national defence architecture.”
Furthermore, Military authorities believe the expansion will also improve joint operations with other security agencies.
