The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for the Nigerian Army’s newly established divisions following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army’s force structure.
The appointments come days after President Tinubu approved the creation of four additional Army divisions as part of efforts to strengthen national security, improve operational effectiveness and enhance the military’s response to evolving security threats across the country.
Army Reorganises Operational Structure
According to the Nigerian Army, the new divisions will begin operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while measures are being implemented to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).
As part of the restructuring, the Army has also reorganised the areas of responsibility for existing and newly created divisions to improve command and control across Nigeria.
New Divisions to Strengthen Security
The Army said the expansion is expected to improve troop deployment, accelerate response to security challenges and enhance force projection nationwide.
The newly established formations will complement existing divisions as the military intensifies operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
Tinubu Approved Four Additional Divisions
President Tinubu recently approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, alongside plans to recruit thousands of additional personnel to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
The expansion forms part of broader military reforms aimed at improving operational readiness and national security.