The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of four additional Nigerian Army divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 new military personnel.
The forum described the measures as significant steps towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the country’s response to terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NGF said the creation of the four divisions represented a major expansion of the Nigerian Army.
“The simultaneous establishment of four new divisions marks the largest single expansion of the Nigerian Army in modern history,” the forum said.
The governors said the President’s decision demonstrated his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians and securing lives and property across the country.
The forum also expressed support for the planned recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel and the acquisition of critical military equipment.
“We wholeheartedly welcome this development, including the President’s approval for the Army to recruit 28,000 new personnel and procure additional critical military assets,” the statement added.
According to the governors, the measures would provide greater capacity for the military to tackle terrorism and banditry.
“We are confident that this initiative will further strengthen the government’s counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations,” the NGF stated.
The forum pledged to continue working with the Federal Government on national security and other issues affecting the country’s development.
It also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could assist efforts to combat insecurity.
“The Forum urges citizens to continue supporting the government and security forces by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance security across the country,” it said.
The Federal Government’s expansion plan will reportedly increase the number of Nigerian Army divisions from eight to 12. The new divisional headquarters are expected to be located in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City, with implementation scheduled to take place in two phases between September and December 2026.
