Nigerian Army Creates Four New Divisions as COAS Appoints GOCs to Strengthen Security Operations

The Nigerian Army has expanded its operational structure with the establishment of four new divisions, a move aimed at improving command, enhancing troop deployment and strengthening security operations across the country.

The development follows the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the subsequent appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to lead the newly created formations.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the expansion is part of ongoing efforts to reinforce its force structure, improve command and control, and boost its capacity to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to the statement, the new divisions will begin operations after attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while measures are being implemented to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) in phases. The Army said the gradual rollout is designed to ensure seamless operational deployment and sustained effectiveness nationwide.

New divisional responsibilities

Under the reorganised structure, 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while 2 Division Ibadan will be responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states. 3 Division Jos will cover Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.

The newly established 5 Division Makurdi will take charge of Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 6 Division Port Harcourt will oversee Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. 7 Division Maiduguri will continue operations in Borno and Yobe, and 8 Division Sokoto will retain responsibility for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

The new 9 Division Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states, while 10 Division Jalingo will oversee security operations in the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states. Meanwhile, 81 Division Lagos will remain responsible for Lagos and Ogun states, and 82 Division Enugu will continue to supervise Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.

The Army also announced that the newly created 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states once it becomes operational later this year.

New GOCs and brigade commanders appointed

To lead the new formations, the COAS approved the appointment of senior officers to key command positions.

Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been posted to 9 Division Ilorin as General Officer Commanding and Commander of Operation Savannah Shield. Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will command 10 Division Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara takes charge of 5 Division Makurdi alongside his role as Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has also been appointed General Officer Commanding 2 Division Ibadan.

In addition, the Army activated three new brigades to strengthen the new divisions. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi will command 11 Brigade Gboko, Brigadier General A.M. Haruna takes over 29 Brigade Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been appointed Commander of 10 Brigade Lafia.

Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders, urging them to provide effective leadership, maintain operational momentum and uphold professionalism in their respective commands.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the Army’s expansion, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a significant milestone that will improve border security, strengthen joint operations, enable faster troop deployment and enhance the military’s ability to tackle emerging security threats across Nigeria.