Morganable News/Security&Justice
Shaibu, while congratulating the newly appointed commanders, charged them to provide strong leadership and maintain professionalism in their respective commands
kaNo —
The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for four newly created divisions, following the approval of expanded military formations by President Bola Tinubu.
The appointments, ratified by the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, are part of a broader restructuring aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity, improving command and control, and enhancing rapid response to evolving security challenges across the country.
In the new postings, Maj Gen Yakubu Yahaya has been named GOC of the 9 Division, Ilorin, and will also serve as Commander of Operation Savannah Shield.
Maj Gen Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife was appointed GOC of the 10 Division, Jalingo, while Maj Gen Moses Gara will head the newly established 5 Division in Makurdi, alongside his role as Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke.
Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda was also redeployed as GOC of the 2 Division, Ibadan, as part of the ongoing reorganisation.
To further reinforce the new divisions, the Army also activated three additional brigades. Brig Gen A.O. Odubiyi will command the 11 Brigade in Gboko, Brig Gen A.M. Haruna will lead the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brig Gen R.M. Aminu has been posted to head 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 newly established formations would begin operations once they attain initial operational capability, with efforts underway to achieve full operational readiness.
“The newly established divisions will immediately commence operations in the respective locations on attainment of Initial Operational Capability, while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability,” the statement read.
COAS Charges Commanders On Professionalism
Shaibu, while congratulating the newly appointed commanders, charged them to provide strong leadership and maintain professionalism in their respective commands.
He urged them to “provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities.”
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Army’s force structure, describing the move as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the military.
According to Shaibu, the creation of the new divisions would significantly improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, and enable faster deployment of troops and resources to troubled areas.
He added that the development would enhance the Army’s ability to respond decisively to emerging threats while strengthening joint and multi-agency operations across the country.
Under the new structure, the 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, areas that have experienced recurring security challenges, particularly communal clashes and armed attacks.
The 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division in Jalingo will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa states, both of which have faced insurgency-related and inter-communal conflicts.
Army To Activate 83 Division In Benin
The Army also disclosed plans to activate the 83 Division in Benin City later in the year. When operational, the division will supervise Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
Under the revised arrangement, the 1 Division in Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while the 2 Division in Ibadan will be responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
The 7 Division in Maiduguri will retain responsibility for Borno and Yobe states, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, while the 8 Division in Sokoto will cover Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The 81 Division in Lagos will supervise Lagos and Ogun states, while the 82 Division in Enugu will remain responsible for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.
Security analysts say the reorganisation reflects growing concerns over the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts, which require a more decentralised and responsive military structure.
NCWGG Commends Tinubu For Expansion Of Army Division
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG) has commended President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Army to 12 divisions, along with the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the group’s Director of Communications, Igwe Ude-Umanta, described the move as a historic intervention capable of reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture.
He said the initiative aligns with constitutional provisions that place the security and welfare of citizens as the primary responsibility of government.
Describing the expansion as a “game changer,” Ude-Umanta expressed optimism that it would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and improve troop morale.
“The approval to expand the Nigerian Army to twelve divisions and recruit 28,000 additional personnel is a historic and strategic masterstroke that will redefine the nation’s security landscape for generations,” he said.
He added that the move would help deny criminal groups the space to operate while strengthening the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes.
Ude-Umanta also praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Shaibu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, describing them as key drivers of ongoing reforms within the military.
According to him, both leaders have demonstrated professionalism and strategic direction in re-engineering Nigeria’s security framework and improving operational outcomes nationwide.
The group further pointed to what it described as increasing international recognition of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, including a reported commendation by former United States President Donald Trump in a letter dated July 6, 2026, which praised President Tinubu’s leadership in tackling insecurity.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with diverse security threats, stakeholders say the success of the expanded Army structure will depend on effective implementation, adequate funding and sustained collaboration among security agencies.
They note that while the creation of additional divisions represents a significant step forward, translating the reform into tangible security improvements will require consistent operational efficiency and accountability.
