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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Division in Benin City, a move that places Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states under the newly created 83 Division as part of a major restructuring of the country's military command.
The approval, announced in a State House statement on Thursday, is part of the Federal Government's decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.
Under the new structure, the 83 Division Headquarters will be located in Benin City and will oversee military operations in Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
According to the Presidency, the creation of the new divisions is aimed at improving command and control, decentralising operational decision-making, strengthening border security, protecting critical national infrastructure, enhancing counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensuring faster military response to emerging security threats.
President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to boost the Army's manpower, alongside continued investment in military platforms, equipment, troop welfare and force modernisation.
The implementation of the expanded force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which covers the establishment of the 5 Division in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin and 10 Division in Jalingo, as well as the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division in Benin City and further reorganisation of Army formations, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
With the restructuring, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions strategically located across the country, with the new Benin City Division expected to strengthen security operations in the South-South region.
President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and professionalism in defending the nation's sovereignty.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained investment in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, motivated and capable of safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity and the security of its citizens.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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