The Nigerian Army has commenced moves to operationalise four newly established divisions as part of a major restructuring aimed at expanding its operational capacity and improving the country's response to insecurity.

The expansion, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will increase the number of Army divisions from eight to 12, with new division headquarters planned for Benue, Kwara and Taraba states, alongside another formation in Edo State.

The restructuring is expected to decentralise the Army's command structure, improve response times and enable troops to respond more effectively to security threats across different parts of the country.

The development will also be supported by plans to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, alongside improved logistics, equipment and welfare packages for military personnel.

The new formations are being established against the backdrop of persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and terrorism, particularly across the North-Central and North-East regions.

New Army presence in Kwara

In Kwara State, the Army has begun deploying a new battalion to Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, while preparations are also underway for another battalion in the Patigi axis.

The deployment followed growing security concerns in parts of Kwara, particularly in the southern and northern parts of the state.

The Omu-Aran battalion is reportedly made up of nearly 500 personnel, including senior officers. However, the specific operational location of the battalion has not been publicly disclosed by the military or the state government.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the arrival of the troops, saying the deployment would strengthen security operations across the state.

The governor, who received the troops alongside senior Army commanders, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for the swift deployment.

"It was pleasant to welcome the troops to Kwara State. I thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for the swift deployment," AbdulRazaq said.

"I am confident that this new deployment will boost our peace and security efforts in the state."

He also disclosed that preparations were ongoing for the deployment of another Army battalion to Patigi.

The governor commended President Tinubu for approving the additional military deployments and for introducing improved welfare packages for soldiers, saying the measures would boost troops' morale and effectiveness.

The arrival of the Omu-Aran battalion has also received the support of traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, assured the troops of the community's support, while the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, Abdulazeez Yakub, pledged the council's cooperation.

Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig Gen Nicholas Rume, said the deployment was part of the Federal Government's broader directive to expand the Army's operational capacity.

He said the battalion would focus on addressing security incidents across Kwara South.

The President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Niyi Adeyeye, described the deployment as a significant demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring confidence and economic stability to affected communities.

New formations in Benue and Taraba

In Benue State, the newly established 5 Division, expected to have its headquarters in Makurdi, is aimed at strengthening military operations against communal clashes and armed groups affecting the state and neighbouring areas.

An Army implementation committee is currently assessing locations for new military formations in the state.

Several local government areas, including Guma, Ukum, Kwande, Otukpo and Agatu, have been earmarked for military units, while Makurdi is expected to host the new division.

In Otukpo, the local government chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that an Army implementation committee had visited the area and announced plans for a new Brigade Command.

He said the Army already had 224 hectares of land at the Entina axis of Otukpo for the proposed command.

In Agatu, the local government chairman, Melvin Ejeh, also confirmed the Army's visit and expressed optimism that the proposed military formation would strengthen security in Benue South.

In Taraba State, preparations are also underway for the operational take-off of the newly established 10 Division, with permanent barracks under construction at Yali, on the outskirts of Jalingo.

Governor Agbu Kefas inspected the site and expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction, describing the new division as a major boost to security in Taraba and the wider North-East.

The division is expected to initially operate from a temporary location while the permanent barracks are completed.

It will reinforce counter-insurgency and border security operations in Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State, while improving the Army's response capacity across the region.

Overall, the restructuring is expected to bring military command structures closer to communities facing security challenges, improve intelligence gathering and shorten response times during emergencies.

The Army is also expected to benefit from additional manpower, equipment and logistical support as it intensifies efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.