The Nigerian Army has begun preparations to operationalise four newly created divisions as part of a major restructuring aimed at expanding its command structure and strengthening responses to insecurity across the country.
The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the Army to expand from eight to 12 divisions, with new headquarters planned in Benue, Kwara and Taraba states, alongside a fourth formation in Edo State.
The restructuring is intended to decentralise command and control, reduce response times and bring military operations closer to areas facing persistent security threats.
The expansion is also expected to be supported by the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, alongside improved logistics, equipment and welfare packages for troops.
The new formations come amid continued threats from banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, terrorism and other forms of violence, particularly across the North-Central and North-East.
Kwara Begins Troop Deployment
In Kwara State, the Army has started deploying a new battalion to Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, while preparations are underway for another battalion in the Patigi axis.
An exclusive check indicates that the Omu-Aran battalion comprises close to 500 personnel, including senior officers. The Federal Government Girls College, Omu-Aran, is believed to be serving as its temporary location, although this could not be independently verified as of the time of filing.
The military and state government have not publicly disclosed the battalion’s specific operational location. The Army had, however, previously inspected infrastructure and proposed sites for a temporary camp and permanent base.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the deployment would strengthen security operations across the state.
The governor said he joined the General Officer Commanding 9 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Maj Gen Yakubu Yahaya, and Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, Brig Gen Nicholas Rume, to receive the troops.
“It was pleasant to welcome the troops to Kwara State. I thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for the swift deployment.
“I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state,” AbdulRazaq said.
He added that preparations were underway to deploy another battalion to Patigi.
“Just as the battalion for Omu-Aran settles in, another team of the Nigerian Army is working tirelessly in Patigi to locate the new base for the battalion that will be deployed to that axis,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also commended President Tinubu for approving the additional deployments and improved welfare packages for soldiers.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We are truly grateful to Mr President for paying special attention to Kwara,” he said.
The arrival of the Omu-Aran battalion was welcomed by traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, pledged the community’s support for the troops, while Irepodun Local Government Chairman Abdulazeez Yakub also promised the council’s cooperation.
“I want to assure you that our support, especially in terms of the welfare of the battalion, will be 100 per cent, by the grace of God. You will enjoy your stay in Omu-Aran.
“We are together by the grace of God. The Lord who has brought us together has done so in peace, and we pray that this development will continue to bring blessings, security and progress to our communities,” the monarch said.
Brig Gen Rume said the deployment was part of the Federal Government’s directive to expand the Army’s operational capacity.
“The Chief of Army Staff, on his own part, to achieve his strategic vision, has deployed his battalion here to take care of security incidents in the whole of Kwara South,” he said.
The President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Niyi Adeyeye, described the deployment as a significant step towards restoring peace and economic stability in Kwara South.
“This intervention is a significant demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and restoring peace, confidence and economic stability to the communities,” he said.
Benue Assesses Sites For New Division
In Benue State, the new 5 Division, expected to be headquartered in Makurdi, is being established to strengthen military operations against communal clashes and armed groups affecting the state and neighbouring Nasarawa and Kogi states.
An Army implementation committee is currently assessing locations for the new formations.
Governor Hyacinth Alia said he was awaiting the committee’s findings.
Through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor said the committee, led by Maj Gen Raymond Utsaha and accompanied by the pioneer General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Maj Gen M.K. Gara, had briefed him on the Federal Government’s decision to establish new Army formations in the state.
He said the committee was visiting proposed locations and would submit its findings after completing its assessments.
Guma, Ukum, Kwande, Otukpo and Agatu local government areas have been earmarked for military units, while Makurdi is expected to host the new division.
Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri confirmed that the committee visited the council last Friday and announced plans to establish a new Brigade Command in the area.
He said the Army already has 224 hectares of land at the Entina axis of Otukpo for the proposed brigade.
The committee also visited Agatu, where a new battalion is expected to be established.
Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin Ejeh confirmed the visit and expressed optimism that the proposed formations would strengthen security and curb armed groups and other violent elements in Benue South, also known as Zone C.
Taraba Prepares For 10 Division
In Taraba State, preparations are underway for the operational take-off of the newly established 10 Division, with construction of its permanent barracks ongoing at Yali, on the outskirts of Jalingo.
Governor Agbu Kefas inspected the proposed barracks on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction.
Kefas commended Tinubu for approving the division, describing the move as a major boost to security in Taraba and the North-East.
He said the state government would continue supporting the Army to ensure the formation becomes operational.
Although troops of the 10 Division have yet to arrive, the governor said the formation would initially operate from a temporary base while construction of the permanent barracks continues.
The division is expected to reinforce counter-insurgency and border security operations in Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State while strengthening the Army’s ability to respond to threats across the wider North-East.
The development is also expected to eventually lead to the relocation of the 6 Brigade, currently headquartered in Jalingo.
The Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Chukwuemeka Akaliro, said the relocation would be carried out in phases.
The Army’s restructuring is expected to bring command structures closer to areas affected by insecurity, strengthen intelligence gathering and reduce response times during emergencies.
The expansion is also expected to provide additional manpower, equipment and logistical support for military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the affected regions.
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