The Nigerian Army has begun the phased rollout of four newly created divisions in a major restructuring aimed at boosting its operational reach and strengthening the fight against insecurity across the country.
The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions, with new headquarters planned for Benue, Kwara and Taraba states, as well as another formation in Edo State.
The restructuring is intended to decentralise command and control, bring military leadership closer to conflict-prone areas, enhance intelligence gathering and improve response times during security emergencies.
The expansion will also be supported by the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, alongside improved logistics, equipment and welfare packages for troops. The measures come amid persistent banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes and other violent threats across several parts of the country.
It was gathered that In Kwara State, the Army has begun deploying a new battalion to Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, while preparations are also underway for another battalion to be stationed in the Patigi axis.
The Omu-Aran battalion is believed to comprise nearly 500 personnel, including senior officers. The Federal Government Girls College, Omu-Aran, is reportedly being used as a temporary location, although the information could not be independently verified. The Army has, however, previously inspected infrastructure and proposed sites for temporary and permanent bases in the area.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the deployment, saying it would strengthen security operations across the state. He said the swift deployment followed approval by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu.
«“I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state.”»
The governor also disclosed that another Army battalion would be deployed to Patigi, where preparations are ongoing to identify a suitable base. He commended President Tinubu for approving the additional military presence and improved welfare packages for soldiers.
The arrival of the troops in Omu-Aran was welcomed by traditional rulers, community leaders and residents. The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, pledged the community’s full support, while the Irepodun Local Government chairman, Abdulazeez Yakub, promised cooperation with the military.
The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig Gen Nicholas Rume, said the Omu-Aran deployment was part of the Federal Government’s broader directive to expand the Army’s operational capacity and address security incidents across Kwara South.
«“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.”»
In Benue State, the proposed new 5 Division, expected to be headquartered in Makurdi, is intended to strengthen military operations against communal violence and armed groups affecting Benue and neighbouring Nasarawa and Kogi states.
An Army implementation committee led by Maj Gen Raymond Utsaha is currently assessing proposed locations for new formations in the state. Governor Hyacinth Alia said he was awaiting the committee’s final assessment after it concludes its consultations.
Several areas, including Guma, Ukum, Kwande, Otukpo and Agatu, have been identified for additional military units, while Makurdi is expected to host the new division headquarters.
In Otukpo, Local Government Chairman Maxwell Ogiri confirmed that the Army committee had visited the area and announced plans to establish a new Brigade Command. He said the Army already has 224 hectares of land at the Entina axis for the proposed facility, while Agatu is expected to host a new battalion.
In Taraba State, preparations are also underway for the operational take-off of the newly established 10 Division, with permanent barracks under construction at Yali, on the outskirts of Jalingo.
Governor Agbu Kefas inspected the site and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, saying the state government would support efforts to ensure the smooth establishment of the division. He said the formation would initially operate from a temporary base pending completion of its permanent facilities.
The 10 Division is expected to reinforce counter-insurgency and border security operations in Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State, while improving the Army’s response capability across the wider North-East. Its establishment is also expected to eventually lead to the phased relocation of the 6 Brigade from its current headquarters in Jalingo.
Meanwhile, the Army’s expansion marks a significant shift towards a more decentralised security structure, with additional formations, manpower and resources expected to strengthen military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
