COAS Appoints General Officers Commanding for Four Newly Created Army Divisions

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for four newly established Nigerian Army divisions following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army’s force structure.

The development is part of a major reorganisation aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity, improving command and control, and enhancing the nation’s response to emerging security threats.

In addition to the new divisions, the Army also activated three new brigades to support the expanded structure. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi has been appointed Commander of the newly created 11 Brigade, Gboko, while Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will head the 29 Brigade, Kainji. Brigadier General R.M. Aminu will command the 10 Brigade, Lafia.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the new divisions will commence operations immediately after attaining their Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while efforts continue towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC).

Under the new arrangement, the 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee military operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States. The 9 Division, based in Ilorin, will cover Kwara and Niger States, while the 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo, will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa States. The newly established 83 Division, with headquarters in Benin City, will supervise Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States when it becomes operational later this year. Existing divisional areas of responsibility have also been adjusted to accommodate the new formations.

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

Lieutenant General Shaibu described the establishment of the additional divisions as a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the expansion.

He noted that the enlarged force structure would significantly improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources, and enhance the Army’s ability to respond decisively to evolving security challenges across the country. He also expressed confidence that the new formations would deepen joint and multi-agency operations, reinforce national stability, and contribute to lasting peace and security nationwide.