“Army Names Commanders For New Divisions After Tinubu’s Approval” — Activates Brigades In Gboko, Kainji, Lafia To Strengthen Operations

The Nigerian Army has appointed commanders for newly established divisions following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army’s operational formations across the country.

The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, form part of a wider reorganisation aimed at expanding the Army’s footprint, improving command and control, strengthening border security and enhancing force projection in response to emerging security threats.

Under the new deployment, Maj. Gen. Yakubu Yahaya was appointed General Officer Commanding, 9 Division, Ilorin, and Commander of Operation Savannah Shield.

Maj. Gen. Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife was appointed General Officer Commanding, 10 Division, Jalingo, while Maj. Gen. Moses Gara was appointed General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Makurdi, and Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke.

The Army also redeployed Maj. Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda to head 2 Division, Ibadan.

In addition, three new brigades have been activated to reinforce the new divisions. Brig. Gen. A. O. Odubiyi was appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade, Gboko; Brig. Gen. A. M. Haruna was appointed Commander of 29 Brigade, Kainji; while Brig. Gen. R. M. Aminu was posted to lead 10 Brigade, Lafia.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the newly established divisions would commence operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability, while efforts continue towards achieving Full Operational Capability.

“The newly established divisions will immediately commence operations in the respective locations on attainment of Initial Operational Capability, while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability,” the statement read.

Congratulating the newly appointed commanders, Shaibu charged them to provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness in discharging their responsibilities.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and supporting the attainment of lasting national peace and security.

The Army Chief also thanked President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Army’s force structure, describing the creation of the new divisions as a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu said the move reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.

According to him, the expanded force structure would significantly improve command and control, enhance operational coordination, strengthen border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources and increase the Army’s capacity to respond decisively to evolving security threats across the country.

Under the new structure, 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 9 Division, headquartered in Ilorin, will cover Kwara and Niger states.

Under the new structure, 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 9 Division, headquartered in Ilorin, will cover Kwara and Niger states.

10 Division, with headquarters in Jalingo, will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa states, while 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will supervise Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states when activated later in the year.

The Army also reviewed the operational responsibilities of existing divisions.

1 Division, Kaduna, will now oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states; 2 Division, Ibadan, will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states; while 3 Division, Jos, will be responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.

Similarly, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, will oversee Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states; 7 Division, Maiduguri, will retain responsibility for Borno and Yobe states; while 8 Division, Sokoto, will cover Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

81 Division, Lagos, will supervise Lagos and Ogun states, while 82 Division, Enugu, will remain responsible for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.