Army names commanders for new divisions 

The Nigerian Army has unveiled a new command structure following the creation of additional divisions approved by President Bola Tinubu, a move aimed at strengthening military operations and improving security coverage nationwide.

The expansion is expected to improve command and control, speed up troop deployment and enhance the Army’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.

As part of the restructuring, Maj Gen Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the newly created 9 Division in Ilorin, where he will also serve as Commander of Operation Savannah Shield.

Maj Gen Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will head the 10 Division in Jalingo, while Maj Gen Moses Gara assumes responsibility for the 5 Division in Makurdi alongside his appointment as Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke. Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda has also been redeployed to lead the 2 Division in Ibadan.

The Army has equally established three new brigades to support the fresh formations. Brig Gen A.O. Odubiyi will command the 11 Brigade in Gboko, Brig Gen A.M. Haruna takes charge of the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brig Gen R.M. Aminu will lead the 10 Brigade in Lafia.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Appolonia Anele, the Army said the new divisions would begin operations once they attain their Initial Operational Capability.

“The newly established divisions will immediately commence operations in the respective locations on attainment of Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability.”

Congratulating the newly appointed commanders, Shaibu urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“Provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

The Army chief reiterated the service’s commitment to national security.

“Safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens and supporting the attainment of enduring national peace and security.”

Shaibu also thanked President Tinubu for approving the expansion, describing it as a major step in the Army’s ongoing transformation.

He said the establishment of the additional divisions represented “a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army”, adding that it demonstrated the Federal Government’s resolve to reinforce the country’s defence architecture.

According to him, the enlarged force structure will “significantly enhance command and control, improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources and increase the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond decisively to emerging and evolving security threats across the country.”

He expressed optimism that the new formations would deepen collaboration with other security agencies, promote national stability and support efforts to restore lasting peace across Nigeria.

Under the revised structure, the 5 Division in Makurdi will oversee military operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while the 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states. The 10 Division in Jalingo will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa states.

The Army also announced that the 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will become operational later this year with responsibility for Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

Existing divisions have also been assigned new operational jurisdictions. The 1 Division, Kaduna, will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while the 2 Division, Ibadan, will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo. The 3 Division, Jos, will supervise Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe.

Similarly, the 6 Division, Port Harcourt, will oversee Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River, while the 7 Division, Maiduguri, retains responsibility for Borno and Yobe. The 8 Division, Sokoto, will cover Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, the 81 Division, Lagos, will oversee Lagos and Ogun, and the 82 Division, Enugu, will continue to supervise Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.