Insecurity: Group commends Tinubu’s approval of 12 new Nigerian Army Divisions

The Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG) has commended President Bola Tinubu over the approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from its current structure to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, as a historic turning point capable of reshaping the country’s security architecture and strengthening the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes.

The Group’s Director of Communications, Igwe Ude-Umanta who spoke during a press briefing held in Abuja, said the decision was a bold demonstration of the President’s commitment to prioritising national security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the approval goes beyond a routine administrative exercise and represents a strategic intervention that aligns with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

Describing the initiative as a “game changer,” Ude-Umanta expressed optimism that the Army expansion would significantly boost the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, strengthen troop morale and deny criminal elements the space to operate across the country.

“The approval to expand the Nigerian Army to twelve divisions and recruit 28,000 additional personnel is a historic and strategic masterstroke that will redefine the nation’s security landscape for generations. This bold step is suffocation to the very oxygen of insecurity and a deadly venom to both the sponsors and foot soldiers of terror,” he said.

Ude-Umanta also showered praises on Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, describing them as the “twin pillars” driving the military’s renewed operational successes.

According to NCWGG Director of Communication, the two military chiefs have demonstrated exceptional professionalism through sustained reforms, strategic leadership and the re-engineering of Nigeria’s security architecture, which it said had enhanced the effectiveness of military operations nationwide.

Ude-Umanta further cited what it described as growing international recognition of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, including a reported commendation by United States President Donald Trump in a letter dated July 6, 2026, praising President Tinubu’s leadership against terrorism.

He also pointed to the recent rescue of 44 schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as evidence of the improved intelligence-driven capabilities and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces under the current military leadership.

Passing a vote of confidence on both the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff, Ude-Umanta argued that their “visionary leadership, unblemished professionalism and unwavering dedication” had restored the fighting spirit of the Armed Forces and strengthened public confidence in the military.

He however, urged Nigerians to complement government efforts by remaining vigilant and supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that national security requires collective responsibility.

He further appealed to President Tinubu to sustain investments in the Armed Forces through increased funding, deployment of modern military technology and improved welfare for personnel, while calling on the National Assembly to continue providing legislative support to strengthen military operations and protect the welfare and entitlements of serving troops.

“With a twelve-division army, a resurgent fighting spirit and a Commander-in-Chief who treats national defence as a sacred trust, Nigeria is undoubtedly marching towards a future where peace and security are the inheritance of every Citizen,” he added.