Nigeria adds four army divisions to boost fight against insecurity

President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of four new Nigerian Army divisions, to be headquartered in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, as part of a broader security overhaul that also includes the establishment of an Office of Homeland Security. Secretary to the Government George Akume highlighted the reforms, noting continued improvements in force structure, intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.

Defence Minister Dr Bello Matawalle inaugurated the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Institute of Technology in Kaduna, stressing its role in achieving self‑reliance for defence production and reducing dependence on foreign arms and foreign exchange. The Unity Advocacy Group praised the expansion, saying the additional divisions will improve command and control, enable faster troop deployment and strengthen intelligence and surveillance against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The moves are presented as a strategic response to the country’s persistent security challenges, aiming to protect citizens in homes, farms, schools, markets and on highways.