Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, has approved the expansion of the military structure from 8 divisions to 12 divisions, along with the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel, as part of a government plan to enhance defense capabilities and respond to multiple security threats in the country.
The presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the decision includes the establishment of 4 new divisions based in the cities of Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, allowing for a broader distribution of forces and accelerating military response in areas facing security disturbances.
The plan also involves increasing investments in the purchase of military equipment and platforms, improving operational readiness and conditions for soldiers, and supporting the modernization program of the armed forces.
The government has decided to implement the restructuring in two phases, with the first phase including the establishment of the fifth, ninth, and tenth divisions, and the reorganization of existing formations, expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase includes the establishment of the 83rd division in Benin City, which is anticipated to be completed by December.
The fifth division, based in Makurdi, will cover the states of Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi, while the ninth division in Ilorin will be responsible for Kwara and Niger states, and the tenth division in Jalingo will oversee Taraba and Adamawa states.
The 83rd division in Benin City will cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states.
The presidency stated that the establishment of the new divisions will enhance command and control, support border security and the protection of vital installations, improve counter-insurgency operations and internal security, and provide field commanders with greater decision-making capabilities.
