RismadarVoice Reporters, July 29, 2026
The Nigerian Army has expanded its operational structure with the establishment of four new divisions as part of efforts to strengthen command and control, improve force deployment and enhance its response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the newly created formations following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of the additional divisions.
The new formations include 5 Division, Makurdi; 9 Division, Ilorin; 10 Division, Jalingo; and 83 Division, Benin City, although the 83 Division will be activated later in the year.
According to the Army, the new divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability, while efforts continue to achieve Full Operational Capability through a phased implementation plan aimed at ensuring seamless operational transition.
As part of the restructuring, the Army also reviewed the operational responsibilities of all divisions nationwide. Under the new arrangement, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, will oversee Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, while 5 Division, Makurdi, assumes responsibility for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States. The newly created 9 Division, Ilorin, will cover Kwara and Niger States, and 10 Division, Jalingo, will oversee border areas of Taraba and Adamawa States.
To lead the new formations, the COAS appointed Major General Moses Gara as General Officer Commanding, 5 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke; Major General Yakubu Yahaya as GOC, 9 Division and Commander of Operation Savanna Shield; and Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife as GOC, 10 Division. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was also redeployed to head 2 Division, Ibadan.
The Army equally activated three new brigades to reinforce the expanded force structure. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi was appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade, Gboko; Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will head 29 Brigade, Kainji; while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu takes command of 10 Brigade, Lafia.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders to provide effective leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness in their respective areas of responsibility.
He described the creation of the additional divisions as a landmark in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the expansion of the nation’s defence architecture.
The Army said the new formations are expected to improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources, and enhance joint security operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and safeguarding lives and property across the country.
