By Oluchi Jacinta Okorie, Abuja
Army Deploys New GOCs to Four Newly Created Divisions, Activates Three Brigades
The Nigerian Army has announced the deployment of four General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to the newly established divisions of the land forces, as part of efforts to strengthen its operational structure and improve command and control across the country.
The development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval last week for the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s divisions from eight to 12, a move that has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some applauding the decision while others raised concerns over its financial implications.
According to the Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the newly created formations have commenced operational activities in their respective locations, with deliberate measures underway to achieve full operational capability.
Under the new structure, the newly established 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee security operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States.
The Army also announced that 9 Division, with headquarters in Ilorin, will be responsible for Kwara and Niger States, while 10 Division, based in Jalingo, will cover the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa States.
Similarly, the newly created 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will take charge of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States when fully activated later in the year.
The Army retained the existing responsibilities of other formations, with 1 Division Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division Ibadan responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; and 3 Division Jos overseeing Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States.
Also, 81 Division Lagos will continue to manage Lagos and Ogun States, while 82 Division Enugu retains responsibility for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
To provide leadership for the expanded structure, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the appointment of senior officers as commanders of the new formations.
Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed GOC of 9 Division Ilorin and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, after his redeployment from Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central).
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife moves to 10 Division Jalingo as GOC, while Major General Moses Gara becomes the GOC of 5 Division Makurdi and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.
Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has also been appointed GOC of 2 Division Ibadan after his redeployment from the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance.
In addition, the Army activated three new brigades to strengthen the newly created divisions.
Brigadier General AO Odubiyi has been appointed Commander of 11 Brigade Gboko, Brigadier General AM Haruna takes charge of 29 Brigade Kainji, while Brigadier General RM Aminu becomes Commander of 10 Brigade Lafia.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of Army Staff charged the newly appointed commanders to provide visionary leadership, maintain operational effectiveness and uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and commitment.
Shaibu described the creation of the additional divisions as a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, noting that the move would enhance troop deployment, improve border security, strengthen joint operations and boost the military’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging security threats.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as continued support and strategic investment in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, safeguarding citizens and supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and security across the country.
