Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has authorized a significant expansion of the country’s army, increasing its divisions from eight to twelve and approving the recruitment of 28,000 new personnel, the presidency announced on Friday. The move aims to strengthen the military’s capacity to address ongoing security challenges in various regions of Nigeria.

According to presidential spokesperson Bayon Onanuga, the expansion involves the establishment of four new army divisions located in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. These new formations will bring the total number of divisions to twelve, enhancing military presence across central, northeastern, and southern parts of the country.

The restructuring will maintain headquarters in eight existing cities, with the newly created units extending operational coverage in strategic areas affected by security threats. To support the enlarged force, the government has also authorized increased investment in equipment, operational readiness, and the welfare of troops.

The expansion process will occur in two phases. The 5th, 9th, and 10th divisions are scheduled to become operational by September, followed by the activation of the 83rd Division based in Benin City by December. This phased rollout is designed to ensure a smooth transition and effective deployment of resources.

The army’s enlargement comes amid ongoing insurgency and communal violence in several parts of Nigeria. By boosting manpower and improving infrastructure, the government aims to enhance the military’s ability to respond to security threats and stabilize troubled regions.

This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to strengthen national security through institutional reforms and resource optimization within the armed forces. The expanded army structure is expected to provide a more robust framework to safeguard Nigerian citizens and maintain territorial integrity.