Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 28,000 Personnel, Expands Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel and increasing the Army’s operational structure from eight divisions to 12 divisions in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s response to growing security challenges.

The approval forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture amid persistent threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, communal violence and other forms of criminality affecting different parts of the country.

The expansion will see the establishment of four new Army divisions, bringing the total number to 12. Military authorities believe the additional formations will improve troop deployment, reduce response time to security incidents and enhance operational efficiency across the federation.

The increased manpower is expected to provide the Army with greater flexibility to conduct simultaneous operations in multiple theatres, particularly in regions facing sustained attacks from terrorist groups, armed bandits and other criminal elements.

According to military authorities, the new divisions will also strengthen border security, improve intelligence-driven operations and enhance the Armed Forces’ ability to respond to emerging threats while supporting other security agencies in maintaining law and order.

The recruitment of 28,000 personnel represents one of the largest military enlistment exercises in recent years and is expected to significantly boost the Army’s operational strength. The exercise will provide employment opportunities for thousands of qualified Nigerians interested in pursuing careers in military service.

The expansion is also expected to ease the burden on existing personnel who have been engaged in prolonged operations across various conflict zones, allowing for improved troop rotation, better welfare and enhanced combat readiness.

In addition to increasing personnel strength, the Federal Government is expected to continue investing in military modernisation through the acquisition of advanced weapons systems, armoured vehicles, surveillance equipment, communication technology and other operational assets required for contemporary warfare.

Security experts have consistently argued that while increasing troop numbers is important, sustained investment in training, intelligence gathering, logistics, air support and the welfare of military personnel remains essential to achieving lasting success in the fight against insecurity.

The latest approval reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities and providing the Armed Forces with the manpower and resources required to protect lives, defend the country’s territorial integrity and safeguard critical national infrastructure.

With the expansion to 12 divisions and the recruitment of thousands of additional personnel, the Nigerian Army is expected to improve its capacity to confront evolving security threats while enhancing its readiness for both internal security operations and conventional military responsibilities.