President Bola Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, as the government seeks to strengthen its response to the country’s persistent security challenges. According to Reuters and ChannelsTv, the new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, reinforcing military presence in key regions affected by insurgency, banditry, communal violence and separatist unrest. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the restructuring forms part of broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s armed forces.
The implementation will be carried out in two phases, with the first involving the establishment of the 5th, 9th and 10th Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations by September 2026. The second phase will see the creation of the 83 Division in Benin City and further structural adjustments by December 2026. “The expansion builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation,” the presidency said.
The expansion represents one of Nigeria’s most significant military restructurings in recent years and carries broad implications for national security, public spending and economic stability. For businesses and investors, enhanced security capacity could improve confidence in regions affected by violence, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen conditions for investment across agriculture, mining, manufacturing and logistics. The move also reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity amid evolving security threats, a factor closely monitored by domestic and international investors.
Looking ahead, the success of the expansion will depend on the timely deployment of personnel, sustained investment in military equipment and effective coordination across Nigeria’s security agencies. As implementation progresses through the end of 2026, businesses, policymakers and investors will be watching whether the enlarged force translates into improved security outcomes and a more stable operating environment for Africa’s largest economy.
