COAS Shaibu Names New Commanders For Tinubu’s Newly Created Army Divisions

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for four newly established Nigerian Army divisions following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army’s operational structure.

According to Ireporter Online, the development is part of efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen its command system, expand its presence across the country and improve its ability to respond to emerging security threats.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the newly created divisions will commence operations after achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while measures will continue towards attaining full operational readiness.

The Army said the restructuring was designed to enhance force projection, improve coordination and ensure quicker deployment of troops to areas facing security challenges.

Under the new arrangement, the newly created 9 Division, headquartered in Ilorin, will oversee security operations in Kwara and Niger States, while the 10 Division in Jalingo will be responsible for border areas covering Taraba and Adamawa States.

The 5 Division, based in Makurdi, will handle operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States, while the 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States when fully activated.

The Army also adjusted the responsibilities of existing formations, with divisions across Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Lagos and Enugu retaining oversight of their respective operational areas.

To provide leadership for the expanded structure, Lieutenant General Shaibu approved the appointment of senior military officers as commanders of the affected formations.

Major General Yakubu Yahaya was appointed GOC of the 9 Division Ilorin and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, while Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife was named GOC of the 10 Division Jalingo.

Major General Moses Gara was appointed GOC of the 5 Division Makurdi and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, while Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was redeployed as GOC of the 2 Division Ibadan.

The Army also announced the activation of three new brigades, with Brigadier General AO Odubiyi appointed Commander of the 11 Brigade Gboko, Brigadier General AM Haruna taking charge of the 29 Brigade Kainji, and Brigadier General RM Aminu appointed Commander of the 10 Brigade Lafia.

Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders and charged them to maintain professionalism, discipline and effective leadership in carrying out their responsibilities.

The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the expansion of the military structure, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.

He said the new formations would improve border security, enhance operational efficiency and boost the military’s capacity to tackle security threats across the country.