By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Nigerian Army has announced a significant expansion of its operational structure with the establishment of four additional divisions, following presidential approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has appointed seasoned senior officers as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the new formations, which form part of a comprehensive reorganisation aimed at addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
The newly established 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee security operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, while 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger States. The 10 Division, based in Jalingo, will handle border areas of Taraba and Adamawa States, and 83 Division in Benin City will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States when activated later this year.
Under the new structure, Major General Moses Gara has been redeployed from Operation WHIRL STROKE to command 5 Division, while Major General Yakubu Yahaya takes charge of 9 Division in Ilorin. Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife moves from 2 Division in Ibadan to command 10 Division in Jalingo.
The reorganisation also affects existing divisions, with Major General Auwalu Mahmuda appointed as GOC of 2 Division in Ibadan. The army has simultaneously activated three new brigades in Gboko, Kainji and Lafia to strengthen the new divisions.
The COAS stated that the expansion would enhance command and control, improve operational coordination, strengthen border security and enable faster troop deployment across the country. The new divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with measures underway to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).
Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as a “historic milestone” in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, emphasising that the expanded force structure would significantly bolster national security.
