The Nigerian Army has begun operationalizing four newly established divisions as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan to expand its operational capabilities and strengthen the fight against insecurity nationwide.
President Bola Tinubu recently approved the Army’s expansion from eight to twelve divisions, with new division headquarters set to be established in Benue, Kwara, Taraba, and Edo states.
This restructuring aims to decentralize the Army’s command structure, improve tactical response times, and enhance the military’s ability to address security threats in different regions.
The initiative will also be supported by the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, as well as improved logistics, equipment, and welfare packages for troops.
The creation of these new formations comes amid persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and terrorism, particularly in the North-Central and North-East zones.
In Kwara State, the Army is responding to increasing insecurity with the deployment of a new battalion to Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, and preparations for another battalion in the Patigi area.
The battalion, comprising nearly 500 personnel, is temporarily stationed at the Federal Government Girls College, Omu-Aran, pending the completion of permanent facilities.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the troops alongside senior Army officials, expressing confidence that the deployment would strengthen security operations in the state.
Community leaders and traditional rulers, including the Olomu of Omu-Aran, pledged their support for the new battalion, while local government officials promised full cooperation for the military’s efforts.
In Benue State, the new 5 Division, expected to be headquartered in Makurdi, will bolster operations against ongoing security challenges such as communal violence and armed groups affecting Benue and neighboring states.
An Army implementation committee is currently assessing potential sites for the new formations, with several local government areas earmarked for new military units.
Similarly, in Taraba State, preparations are underway for the launch of the 10 Division, with construction of a permanent barracks ongoing at Yali, near Jalingo.
Governor Agbu Kefas recently inspected the site and expressed satisfaction with progress, noting that the division would significantly boost security in Taraba and the wider North-East.
The division will initially operate from a temporary base, with plans to reinforce counter-insurgency and border security operations in the region.
These reforms are expected to bring command structures closer to areas facing security challenges, enhance intelligence gathering, and reduce response times during emergencies.
The expanded Army presence, along with increased manpower and improved support, is anticipated to strengthen efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the affected regions.
