Army Gets New Leadership Boost As COAS Shaibu Appoints Commanders For Tinubu’s New Divisions

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

The appointments were announced in a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the expansion is part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its force structure, broaden its operational presence, enhance command and control, and improve its ability to respond to emerging security threats across the country.

Anele said the newly created divisions would begin operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while efforts would continue towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC).

“The newly established Divisions will immediately commence operations in their respective locations on attainment of Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability (FOC).

“This phased approach will ensure seamless operationalisation, operational continuity and rapid force projection across the country,” the statement read.

As part of the restructuring, the Nigerian Army has reviewed the operational responsibilities of its divisions nationwide.

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

The newly established 5 Division Makurdi will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 6 Division Port Harcourt will cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. 7 Division Maiduguri will retain responsibility for Borno and Yobe states, while 8 Division Sokoto will continue to oversee Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

The newly created 9 Division Ilorin will be responsible for Kwara and Niger states, while 10 Division Jalingo will oversee the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states. 81 Division Lagos will continue to cover Lagos and Ogun states, while 82 Division Enugu will remain responsible for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.

The newly established 83 Division Benin City, expected to become operational later this year, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

New Commanders Appointed

To lead the new formations, the COAS approved the deployment of senior officers to key command positions.

Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been redeployed from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, to head 9 Division Ilorin as General Officer Commanding and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been transferred from Headquarters 2 Division/Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to serve as General Officer Commanding of 10 Division Jalingo.

Major General Moses Gara has been redeployed from Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE to lead the newly created 5 Division Makurdi, where he will also serve as Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE.

Similarly, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has been moved from the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to assume duty as General Officer Commanding 2 Division Ibadan.

Army Activates Three New Brigades

The Army also announced the activation of three additional brigades to strengthen the newly established divisions.

Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi has been appointed Commander of 11 Brigade, Gboko, Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will head 29 Brigade, Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been appointed Commander of 10 Brigade, Lafia.

Congratulating the newly appointed commanders, Lieutenant General Shaibu urged them to provide effective leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty, safeguarding lives and property, and supporting national peace and security.

The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Army’s force structure, describing the establishment of the new divisions as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.

According to Shaibu, the additional divisions will strengthen command and control, improve operational coordination, enhance border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources, and boost the Army’s capacity to respond swiftly to evolving security threats across the country.