Nigerian Army Expands to 12 Divisions, Deploys New Commanders to Boost Security
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army has expanded from eight to 12 divisions following presidential approval, deploying new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and activating three additional brigades to strengthen security operations nationwide.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, announced the development on Wednesday, saying the expansion is aimed at improving command and control, enhancing operational coordination and strengthening the military’s response to emerging security threats.
According to Anele, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointments and postings for the new formations, which will commence operations after attaining Initial Operational Capability before progressing to Full Operational Capability. The Army also reorganised its Areas of Responsibility to improve operational effectiveness across the country.
Under the new structure, the newly created 5 Division in Makurdi will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states; 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states; while 10 Division in Jalingo will supervise Taraba and Adamawa states. Existing divisions have also been assigned revised operational jurisdictions.
The Army further activated the 11 Brigade in Gboko, the 29 Brigade in Kainji and the 10 Brigade in Lafia, with Brigadier Generals A.O. Odubiyi, A.M. Haruna and R.M. Aminu appointed to command the new formations. Shaibu urged the commanders to sustain professionalism and operational momentum in tackling security challenges across Nigeria.
The expansion forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve rapid military response and enhance joint operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal threats.
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