Author: Army Creates Four New Divisions, Appoints GOCs to Strengthen Security

The Nigerian Army has announced a major restructuring of its operational command with the establishment of four new divisions and the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead the new formations as part of efforts to enhance national security and improve military response across the country.

The development followed the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the subsequent directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who said the expansion is aimed at strengthening the Army\\\'s force structure, improving command and control, and expanding its operational footprint nationwide.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the newly created formations include the 5 Division with headquarters in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin, the 10 Division in Jalingo and the 83 Division in Benin City, with the latter scheduled for activation later this year.

Under the new operational arrangement, the Nigerian Army also reorganised the areas of responsibility for all divisions. The 5 Division will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while the 9 Division will cover Kwara and Niger states. The 10 Division will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa border areas, and the 83 Division will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states upon activation.

The Army explained that the new divisions would commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while efforts would continue towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC) to ensure seamless deployment, operational continuity and improved force projection across the country.

To lead the new formations, Major General Yakubu Yahaya was appointed General Officer Commanding 9 Division and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will head the 10 Division, Major General Moses Gara takes charge of the 5 Division and Operation WHIRL STROKE, while Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was appointed General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan. Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed commanders to provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold professionalism, expressing confidence that the expanded force structure would significantly strengthen Nigeria\\\'s defence architecture and improve the Army\\\'s capacity to respond swiftly to evolving security threats nationwide.