The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for its newly created divisions following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an expanded military command structure aimed at strengthening national security operations.
The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, are part of a broader reorganisation designed to enhance command and control, improve operational effectiveness and expand the Army’s presence across the country in response to evolving security threats.
As part of the new postings, Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been redeployed from the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, to lead the newly established 9 Division in Ilorin, where he will also serve as Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife moves from Headquarters 2 Division and Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to head the newly created 10 Division in Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara leaves the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE to take charge of the new 5 Division in Makurdi, combining the roles of General Officer Commanding and Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
Also redeployed is Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, who leaves the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to assume command of the 2 Division in Ibadan.
To reinforce the expanded command structure, the Army has also activated three new brigades. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi has been appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade in Gboko, Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will head the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu takes command of the 10 Brigade in Lafia.
According to the Nigerian Army, the new divisions will commence operations immediately after attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with additional measures already underway to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) through a phased implementation process.
The Army explained that the gradual rollout is intended to ensure uninterrupted operations while enabling rapid force projection and improved coordination across different theatres.
The reorganisation also redefines the Areas of Responsibility for each division nationwide.
Under the new structure, 1 Division in Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while 2 Division in Ibadan will be responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo. The 3 Division in Jos will cover Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.
The newly established 5 Division in Makurdi will supervise security operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 6 Division in Port Harcourt will cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The 7 Division in Maiduguri retains responsibility for Borno and Yobe, and 8 Division in Sokoto continues to oversee Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The new 9 Division in Ilorin will take charge of Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division in Jalingo will focus on Taraba and Adamawa border areas.
Meanwhile, 81 Division in Lagos will continue to oversee Lagos and Ogun states, and 82 Division in Enugu remains responsible for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states. The Army also disclosed that the newly approved 83 Division, with headquarters in Benin City, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states once it becomes operational later this year.
Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders and urged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, maintain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting lives and property, and supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace and security across the country.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening the military, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a major milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army and a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence architecture.
He expressed confidence that the expanded force structure would improve command and control, strengthen border security, accelerate troop deployment, boost joint operations with other security agencies and significantly improve the military’s capacity to tackle emerging security threats nationwide.
