COAS Appoints GOCs as Nigerian Army Activates Four New Divisions
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to the newly established Nigerian Army divisions following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the creation of four additional divisions to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The appointments are part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing restructuring aimed at expanding its operational footprint, improving command and control, and enhancing its ability to tackle evolving security challenges across the country.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the newly established divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with plans to gradually achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).
As part of the reorganisation, the Army has redefined divisional responsibilities across Nigeria. The new 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while the 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states. The 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo, will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa border areas, while the 83 Division in Benin City will supervise Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states when activated later this year.
The existing divisions also received revised operational responsibilities. Notably, the 8 Division in Sokoto will continue to oversee Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Among the senior officers appointed are Major General Yakubu Yahaya as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9 Division, Ilorin; Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife as GOC of the 10 Division, Jalingo; Major General Moses Gara as GOC of the 5 Division, Makurdi, and Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke; while Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was appointed GOC of the 2 Division, Ibadan.
The Army also announced the activation of three new brigades. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi will command the 11 Brigade, Gboko; Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will head the 29 Brigade, Kainji; while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu will command the 10 Brigade, Lafia.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the newly appointed commanders to provide effective leadership, sustain operational momentum, and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the expansion of the Nigerian Army, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
The Army said the new formations are expected to improve operational coordination, enhance border security, enable faster troop deployment, and boost the military’s capacity to respond to emerging security threats across the country.
