ABUJA — The Nigerian Army has appointed new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for newly established divisions following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of four additional divisions to strengthen national security operations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointments, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.
The statement said the creation of the new divisions is part of efforts to “strengthen the Nigerian Army’s force structure, expand its operational footprint and enhance command and control” in response to evolving security challenges.
Under the new structure, the Army reorganised its operational areas across the country, with the newly created 5 Division headquartered in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while the 9 Division in Ilorin will oversee Kwara and Niger states.
The 10 Division, based in Jalingo, will handle security in border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states, while the proposed 83 Division in Benin City will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states upon activation.
Among the new appointments, Major General Yakubu Yahaya will head the 9 Division in Ilorin, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife takes charge of the 10 Division in Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara will lead the 5 Division in Makurdi.
The Army also announced the activation of new brigades in Gboko, Kainji and Lafia to support the expanded structure.
“The newly established divisions will immediately commence operations on attainment of Initial Operational Capability,” the statement said, adding that measures are in place to achieve full operational capacity.
Shaibu charged the newly appointed commanders to “provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.”
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property, noting that the expansion would improve rapid deployment, border security and coordination of operations nationwide.
The Army Chief also thanked President Tinubu for approving the new divisions, describing it as a “historic milestone” in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
