The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly appointed General Officers Commanding (GOCs) of the Nigerian Army’s newly established divisions to provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness.

The appointments followed President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of four additional divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Army’s operational capacity.

Shaibu described the expansion as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Army, noting that it would strengthen force structure, improve command and control, expand operational reach and enhance the Army’s ability to respond to evolving security threats.

In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the new divisions would commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while measures were underway to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).

She said the phased implementation would ensure seamless operationalisation, operational continuity and rapid force projection nationwide.

Anele explained that the reorganisation redefined the operational responsibilities of the Army’s divisions across the country, with the new 5 Division headquartered in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin, 10 Division in Jalingo and 83 Division in Benin City, among others.

She also announced the appointment of senior officers to command the new formations, including Major General Yakubu Yahaya (9 Division), Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife (10 Division), Major General Moses Gara (5 Division) and Major General Auwalu Mahmuda (2 Division, Ibadan).

In addition, three new brigades have been activated in Gboko, Kainji and Lafia, with Brigadier Generals A.O. Odubiyi, A.M. Haruna and R.M. Aminu appointed as commanders.

Shaibu congratulated the newly appointed commanders and urged them to provide effective leadership while sustaining operational excellence.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting lives and property and supporting national peace and security.

The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the expansion of the Army’s operational capabilities, describing the establishment of the additional divisions as a historic milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.

According to him, the expanded force structure will improve command and control, enhance border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and strengthen joint operations with other security agencies in addressing emerging security threats nationwide.