Army names GOCs following Tinubu’s approval of new divisions

The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for newly created divisions following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of four additional divisions aimed at strengthening military operations across the country.

The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, are part of a broader restructuring designed to improve the Army’s operational capacity, enhance command and control, and boost its response to evolving security threats.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Wednesday, the Army said the new divisions would begin operations once they attain Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with plans already in place to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC).

According to the Army, the expansion of its command structure is intended to increase its operational footprint, improve force deployment and ensure faster responses to security challenges across Nigeria.

Under the revised structure, 1 Division Kaduna will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while 2 Division Ibadan will be responsible for Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.

The 3 Division Jos will cover Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states, while the newly established 5 Division Makurdi will supervise operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The 6 Division Port Harcourt will retain responsibility for Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, while 7 Division Maiduguri will continue to oversee Borno and Yobe states. Similarly, 8 Division Sokoto will remain in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Among the newly created formations, 9 Division Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states, while 10 Division Jalingo will oversee border areas in Taraba and Adamawa states.