Nigerian Army Appoints New GOCs as Four Additional Divisions Begin Operations

The Nigerian Army has announced the deployment of senior officers to lead four newly established divisions following the Federal Government’s approval to expand the Army’s operational structure across the country.

The appointments are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security, improve command and control, and enhance the military’s ability to respond to emerging security threats.

Last week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, a move that has generated mixed reactions from security analysts and the public.

While some stakeholders have praised the decision as a step toward improving security operations, others have raised concerns about the financial and logistical implications of maintaining the additional formations.

Announcing the new deployments, the Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the newly created divisions would immediately begin operations in their designated areas while gradually building toward full operational capacity.

Under the new structure, the 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee military operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The 9 Division, based in Ilorin, will be responsible for Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo, will focus on securing the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states.

The newly approved 83 Division, with headquarters in Benin City, will supervise security operations in Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states once it becomes fully operational later this year.

Existing formations also retain revised operational responsibilities. The 1 Division in Kaduna will cover Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while the 2 Division in Ibadan will oversee Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states. The 3 Division in Jos will remain responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states, while the 81 Division and 82 Division will continue operations in their respective jurisdictions.

To lead the new formations, the Chief of Army Staff approved the appointment of experienced senior officers.

Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been posted to head the 9 Division in Ilorin while also serving as Commander of Operation Savannah Shield.

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will command the 10 Division in Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara takes charge of the 5 Division in Makurdi alongside his role as Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke.

The Army also announced the redeployment of Major General Auwalu Mahmuda to serve as the new General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division in Ibadan.

As part of the expansion, three additional brigades have also been activated in Gboko, Kainji, and Lafia, with new commanders appointed to lead each formation.

Congratulating the newly appointed commanders, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu urged them to provide strong leadership, maintain professionalism and sustain the momentum of ongoing military operations across the country.

He described the creation of the additional divisions as a major milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, noting that the expanded force structure would improve troop deployment, strengthen border security, enhance coordination with other security agencies and boost the military’s capacity to tackle evolving security challenges nationwide.

Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the expansion, saying the investment demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s national defence architecture and improving the country’s overall security.