The Nigerian Army has commenced moves to operationalize four newly created divisions as part of a broad restructuring aimed at expanding its operational capacity and strengthening the fight against insecurity across the country.
President Bola Tinubu approved the expansion of the army from eight to 12 divisions, with new division headquarters to be established in Benue, Kwara, and Taraba states, alongside a fourth formation in Edo State.
The restructuring is designed to decentralize the Army’s command and control structure, improve tactical response times, and enable troops to respond more effectively to security threats across different regions.
The move is also expected to be complemented by the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, as well as improved logistics, equipment and welfare packages for troops.
The new formations are being established against the backdrop of persistent banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, terrorism and other violent threats, particularly across the North-Central and North-East zones.
In Kwara State, the strengthening of the Army’s presence followed rising security concerns in parts of the state, including banditry and kidnapping in Kwara South and North.
The Army has commenced the deployment of a new battalion to Omu-Aran, the headquarters of the Irepodun Local Government Area, while preparations are also underway for another battalion in the Patigi axis.
An exclusive check indicates that the battalion comprises close to 500 personnel, including senior officers, while the Federal Government Girls College, Omu-Aran, is believed to be serving as its temporary location, although this could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The specific operational location has not been publicly disclosed by the military or the state government, although the Army had earlier inspected infrastructure and proposed sites for a temporary camp and permanent base.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the deployment would strengthen security operations in the state.
The governor, who disclosed this in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, said he was joined by the GOC 9 Division Nigerian Army/Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Maj Gen Yakubu Yahaya, and Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, Brig Gen Nicholas Rume, to receive the troops.
“It was pleasant to welcome the troops to Kwara State. I thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for the swift deployment.
“I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state,” AbdulRazaq said.
He also disclosed that preparations were underway for the deployment of another Army battalion to Patigi.
