President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational divisions from eight to 12 and giving approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel as part of efforts to tackle the country's growing security challenges. The decision was announced by the Presidency and is aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security architecture and improving the Army's ability to respond to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other violent crimes across the country.
According to the Presidency, the expansion is part of the Federal Government's ongoing investment in the Armed Forces. Besides recruiting 28,000 new soldiers, the government also plans to provide more military equipment, improve troop welfare and continue modernising the Nigerian Army so that it can respond faster to security threats in different parts of the country.
Many Nigerians have continued to express concern over the worsening security situation in several states, where communities have faced attacks from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups. The government believes that increasing the size of the Army and creating four additional divisions will help improve military presence, strengthen intelligence gathering and make security operations more effective.
The approval is also expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians who have been seeking careers in the military. Although the Presidency has confirmed the recruitment approval, details such as the recruitment timetable, application process and eligibility requirements have not yet been announced. Interested applicants have therefore been advised to wait for official announcements from the Nigerian Army before applying to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The latest move comes at a time when there have been increasing calls from many Nigerians for stronger action against insecurity. Supporters of the decision say expanding the Army will improve the country's capacity to protect lives and property, while others insist that recruitment alone will not solve the problem unless intelligence, modern equipment, proper funding and accountability are also strengthened.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has welcomed the decision, describing it as a strategic step that will strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and improve the military's ability to respond to emerging threats across the country.
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