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 Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the creation of four additional divisions as part of efforts to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity and improve its response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
A statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the new divisions would commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while measures are being put in place to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC). The Army said the expansion is expected to enhance command and control, improve force projection and ensure greater operational effectiveness across the country.
Under the new structure, the Army has also reorganised its areas of responsibility. The newly established 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee security operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while the 9 Division, headquartered in Ilorin, will cover Kwara and Niger states. The 10 Division, based in Jalingo, will be responsible for border areas in Taraba and Adamawa states, while the 83 Division, with headquarters in Benin City, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states when it becomes operational later this year.
To lead the new formations, Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 9 Division and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, while Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife takes charge as GOC 10 Division. Major General Moses Gara has been deployed to Headquarters 5 Division, Makurdi, where he will serve as GOC and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was also appointed General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan.
The Army also announced the activation of three new brigades to strengthen the new divisions. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi was appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade in Gboko, Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will head the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu takes command of the 10 Brigade in Lafia. The COAS charged the newly appointed commanders to provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of lives and property. He thanked President Tinubu for supporting the expansion of the Army’s force structure, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a historic milestone that would strengthen border security, improve operational coordination, facilitate faster troop deployment and enhance joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
