The Nigerian Army has stood up four new divisions and named new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead them, as the military ramps up its response to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointments following President Bola Tinubu’s nod for the fresh divisions. The new formations — the 5, 9, 10, and 83 Divisions — will begin operations once they hit Initial Operational Capability, while working towards full capability over time.
New turf, new command
The Army has redrawn its map of responsibility nationwide. Notably for Kogi residents, the new 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, now covers Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States. It will be led by Major General Moses Gara, who doubles as Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke.
Elsewhere:
– 9 Division (Ilorin) — Kwara and Niger States, under Major General Yakubu Yahaya
– 10 Division (Jalingo) — Taraba and Adamawa border areas, under Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife
– 83 Division (Benin City) — Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, activating later this year
– 2 Division (Ibadan) — now led by Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo
Three new brigades were also activated: 11 Brigade Gboko, 29 Brigade Kainji, and 10 Brigade Lafia.
Shaibu: Historic milestone
Shaibu thanked President Tinubu for what he called a landmark investment in the Army’s capacity, saying the expansion would sharpen command and control, speed up troop deployment, and strengthen the fight against insecurity nationwide.
