The Nigerian Army has appointed new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) following the creation of four additional divisions approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, are part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army divisions, expand operational coverage and improve the military’s response to evolving security threats across the country.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the newly created divisions will begin operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while measures are being implemented to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC). She said the phased rollout would ensure smooth operational deployment, improved command and control, and stronger force projection nationwide.
Under the new structure, 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa, while 2 Division Ibadan will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo. 3 Division Jos retains responsibility for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe. The newly established 5 Division Makurdi will supervise Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi, while 9 Division Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger. 10 Division Jalingo will oversee border areas in Taraba and Adamawa, and 83 Division Benin City, scheduled for activation later this year, will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.
To lead the expanded Nigerian Army divisions, Major General Yakubu Yahaya was appointed GOC of 9 Division Ilorin and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD. Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will head 10 Division Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara assumes command of 5 Division Makurdi and Operation WHIRL STROKE. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has been appointed GOC of 2 Division Ibadan.
The Army also activated 11 Brigade Gboko, 29 Brigade Kainji and 10 Brigade Lafia, with new brigade commanders appointed to strengthen the expanded force structure.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the additional Nigerian Army divisions would enhance border security, improve operational coordination and enable faster deployment of troops to address emerging security challenges across Nigeria.
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