Military leaders hail army expansion to 12 divisions

Military leaders have praised President Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions, describing it as a game-changer for counter-terrorism operations.

Military leaders and former Chiefs of Army Staff praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions. Former commanders described the strategic expansion, alongside a 28,000-personnel recruitment drive, as a game-changer that will improve tactical response times against terrorism and banditry across newly established divisional commands.

The praise from military leaders is a significant endorsement of the President’s security strategy. The expansion of the army has been a priority for the administration, and the positive response from former commanders suggests that the military is confident in the new structure. The establishment of four new divisional commands in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will bring military leadership closer to the frontline.

This echoes the 2010s military expansion under President Goodluck Jonathan, which also received praise from military leaders. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a recognition that the army must be expanded to meet security challenges.

The winners: the Nigerian Army, which has gained new personnel and commands; and the Nigerian public, who may benefit from improved security. The losers: the Nigerian budget, which must fund the expansion; and the terrorists and bandits, who face a larger and more capable military.

Bottom Line: Military leaders have praised the army expansion. The new divisions are a game-changer, they say. The question is whether the expansion will translate into improved security.