Army begins moves to operationalise four new divisions

The Nigerian Army has commenced preparations to operationalise four newly created divisions as part of a restructuring aimed at expanding its operational capacity and improving its response to insecurity across the country.

President Bola Tinubu approved the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions, with new headquarters planned for Benue, Kwara and Taraba states, alongside another formation in Edo State.

The restructuring is intended to decentralise the Army’s command structure, shorten response times and strengthen military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other security threats.

The expansion is expected to be supported by the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, as well as improved logistics, equipment and welfare for troops.

In Kwara, the Army has begun deploying a new battalion to Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, following growing security concerns in parts of the state.

Preparations are also underway for another battalion to be deployed to the Patigi axis.

An exclusive check showed that the Omu-Aran battalion has nearly 500 personnel, including senior officers. The Federal Government Girls College, Omu-Aran, is believed to be serving as a temporary location for the troops, although this could not be independently verified as of the time of filing.

The military and Kwara State Government have not publicly disclosed the permanent operational location of the battalion. However, the Army had earlier inspected infrastructure and proposed sites for a temporary camp and permanent base.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the deployment would strengthen security operations across the state.

AbdulRazaq, in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, said he received the troops alongside the General Officer Commanding 9 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Maj Gen Yakubu Yahaya, and Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, Brig Gen Nicholas Rume.

“It was pleasant to welcome the troops to Kwara State. I thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for the swift deployment.

“I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that preparations were ongoing for the deployment of another battalion to Patigi.

He commended President Tinubu for approving the additional deployments and improved welfare packages for soldiers, saying the measures would boost troops’ morale in the fight against insecurity.

The arrival of the Omu-Aran battalion was welcomed by traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Irepodun.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, pledged the community’s support to the troops, while the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, Abdulazeez Yakub, assured the Army of the council’s cooperation.

Brig Gen Rume said the deployment was part of the Federal Government’s directive to expand the Army’s operational capacity.

“The Chief of Army Staff, on his own part, to achieve his strategic vision, has deployed his battalion here to take care of security incidents in the whole of Kwara South,” he said.

In Benue State, preparations are also underway for the establishment of the new 5 Division, expected to be headquartered in Makurdi.

The formation is expected to strengthen military operations against communal clashes and armed groups in Benue and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa and Kogi.

An Army implementation committee led by Maj Gen Raymond Utsaha is currently assessing locations for the new formations.

Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia said he was awaiting the committee’s report after its assessment of proposed locations.

According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the committee, accompanied by the pioneer General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Maj Gen M.K. Gara, had briefed the governor on the Federal Government’s decision to establish new Army formations in the state.

Our correspondent gathered that Guma, Ukum, Kwande, Otukpo and Agatu local government areas had been earmarked for military units, while Makurdi is expected to host the new division.

The Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that the committee visited the council and announced plans to establish a Brigade Command in the area.

He said the Army already has 224 hectares of land at the Entina axis of Otukpo for the proposed brigade.

The committee also visited Agatu, where a new battalion is expected to be established. The council chairman, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the visit and expressed optimism that the deployment would strengthen security in Benue South.

In Taraba, preparations are ongoing for the operational take-off of the new 10 Division, with construction of its permanent barracks underway at Yali, on the outskirts of Jalingo.

Governor Agbu Kefas inspected the site on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.

Kefas commended Tinubu for approving the division, describing it as a major boost to security in Taraba and the wider North-East.

He said the state government would provide the necessary support for the formation’s smooth take-off.

Although troops of the 10 Division have yet to arrive in the state, the governor said the formation would initially operate from a temporary base while construction of the permanent barracks continues.

The division is expected to strengthen counter-insurgency and border security operations in Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa, while improving the Army’s response to threats across the North-East.

The development is also expected to eventually lead to the relocation of the 6 Brigade, currently headquartered in Jalingo. The Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Chukwuemeka Akaliro, said the relocation would be implemented in phases.

The Army’s wider restructuring is expected to bring command structures closer to areas facing security threats, improve intelligence gathering and reduce response times during emergencies.

The expansion will also provide additional manpower, equipment and logistical support to strengthen military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.