Nigerian Army Appoints GOCs for Newly Created Divisions

The Nigerian Army has appointed General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead its newly created divisions following the Federal Government’s approval for the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions.

The appointments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of measures to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity and improve security operations across the country.

The newly established formations are the 5 Division, Makurdi; 9 Division, Ilorin; 10 Division, Jalingo; and the 83 Division, Benin City. The expansion was approved by President Bola Tinubu to enhance the military’s response to evolving security challenges across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the new divisions will commence operations immediately after attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while efforts will continue towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC).

The Army said the establishment of the additional divisions is aimed at ensuring seamless operationalisation, strengthening command and control, enhancing operational continuity and improving rapid force projection nationwide.

It added that a comprehensive reorganisation of divisional areas of responsibility has also been undertaken to align with the expanded command structure and improve coordination across operational theatres.

The appointments follow President Tinubu’s approval on July 23, 2026, for the creation of four additional divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel as part of broader efforts to modernise the Nigerian Army and reinforce the country’s security architecture.