Nigeria expands army to 12 divisions, adds 28,000 troops

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding it from eight to twelve divisions and authorizing the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. The announcement, made on July 23, 2026, by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, represents one of the most significant military reorganizations in recent years, aimed at strengthening national security and defense capabilities.

The expansion is part of a broader effort to reinforce Nigeria's security architecture through sustained investment in personnel, equipment, and force modernization. Officials stated the new structure, with divisions strategically positioned across the country, is designed to improve command and control, decentralize operational decision-making, and enable faster responses to security threats.

Under the approved plan, four new divisions will be established with headquarters in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. These will join the existing divisions to create a network covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The specific areas of responsibility have been delineated, with the 1 Division remaining in Kaduna, the 2 Division in Ibadan, the 3...