Tinubu Activates New Army Formations in Four States, Orders Faster Response to Security Threats

By Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the operationalisation of new Nigerian Army formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun states as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve the military’s response to emerging threats.

Tinubu disclosed this on Sunday, saying the new formations would bring troops closer to vulnerable communities and enable the Army to respond more rapidly to attacks and other security challenges.

According to the President, the deployment is designed to enhance the military’s ability to respond “swiftly and decisively” whenever Nigerians come under threat.

“This week, the Nigerian Army operationalised new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun. Our troops are now closer to vulnerable communities in these areas, strengthening our ability to respond swiftly and decisively when our people are threatened,” Tinubu stated.

The latest development is part of the Federal Government’s broader restructuring and expansion of the Nigerian Army in response to persistent security challenges across the country.

Earlier in the year, Tinubu approved the expansion of the Army, including the creation of new divisional headquarters in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.

The restructuring is aimed at decentralising military command, improving operational coordination and reducing response time to security threats in different parts of the country.

The increased military presence in Zamfara and Kebbi is particularly significant given the persistent activities of bandits and kidnappers across parts of the North-West, where attacks, abductions and disruptions to farming activities have continued to threaten communities.

The new formations in Oyo and Osun are also expected to strengthen security operations and improve the Army’s capacity to respond to threats in the South-West.

Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government was accelerating the construction of new military barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi states, while facilities in Osun State have already been completed.

The President said the projects were intended not only to expand military infrastructure but also to improve the welfare and living conditions of soldiers and their families.

“We are also fast-tracking the construction of new barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi, with Osun already completed. As we demand more from our men and women in uniform, we must do more to support them and their families,” he said.

Tinubu linked the investment in military infrastructure to the sacrifices made by personnel deployed across the country, stressing that adequate accommodation and welfare support were essential to effective military operations.

The President also highlighted the recent increase in the salaries of military personnel, saying the adjustment was already making a difference in the lives of servicemen, women and their families.

“Over the past few days, servicemen and women of the Armed Forces have shared what the recent pay increase means for them and their families. I am glad it is making a difference,” he said.

Tinubu noted that military deployments place significant demands not only on personnel but also on their families, who bear the consequences of prolonged separation and the risks associated with military service.

“Every deployment is a sacrifice made by a family too. As our Armed Forces stand watch over Nigeria, my duty as Commander-in-Chief is to ensure they have the resources and support to do their job, and that Nigeria stands firmly behind the families waiting for them at home,” he added.

The Federal Government has in recent months intensified efforts to strengthen military manpower, equipment, infrastructure and operational capacity.

The expansion of the Nigerian Army’s divisional structure is a key component of the administration’s broader security strategy, alongside the recruitment of additional personnel and investment in military platforms and equipment.

Under the new structure, the 5 Division is headquartered in Makurdi, while the 9 Division is based in Ilorin and the 10 Division in Jalingo.

The Army is also expected to establish the 83 Division in Benin City, with responsibility for Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

The government expects the expanded structure and newly operational formations to bring military command closer to communities, improve intelligence and coordination, and enable faster intervention when security threats emerge.