The Nigerian Army has approved the appointment of General Officers Commanding, GOCs, for newly established Army divisions as the military expands its command structure to strengthen security operations across the country.
The appointments follow President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for the creation of four additional Nigerian Army divisions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the military’s operational effectiveness.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who approved the appointments, said the new formations would immediately begin operations at their respective locations after attaining Initial Operational Capability. He added that deliberate measures would be taken to ensure they subsequently achieve Full Operational Capability.
The Nigerian Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, announced the appointments in a statement published on the Army’s official X account on Wednesday, July 29.
On July 23, President Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to 12 divisions.
New General Officers Commanding
Major General Yakubu Yahaya was appointed General Officer Commanding of the 9 Division in Ilorin. He will also serve as Commander of Operation Savanna Shield, the military operation established to combat terrorist activities and other security threats in Kwara and Niger states.
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife was appointed General Officer Commanding of the 10 Division in Jalingo. He previously served at the headquarters of the 2 Division and Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, which is responsible for tackling banditry and other security threats in parts of north-west Nigeria, including Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Major General Moses Gara was appointed General Officer Commanding of the 5 Division in Makurdi. He will also serve as Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, which is responsible for combating insecurity in Benue State and surrounding areas.
Major General Auwalu Mahmuda was appointed General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division in Ibadan. He previously served at the Nigerian Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance.
Nigerian Army Creates Three New Brigades
The Nigerian Army also announced the creation of three new brigades to strengthen the newly established divisions and improve operational effectiveness.
The 11 Brigade, based in Gboko, Benue State, will be commanded by Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi, who previously served at the Army Headquarters Operations Centre.
The 29 Brigade in Kainji, Niger State, will be commanded by Brigadier General A.M. Haruna, who previously served at the Nigerian Army Armour School in Bauchi.
The 10 Brigade in Lafia, Nasarawa State, will be commanded by Brigadier General R.M. Aminu, who previously served at the National Defence College in Abuja.
Army Says New Divisions Will Improve Security Response
In the statement, Colonel Anele said the establishment of the new divisions and brigades would significantly improve command and control, strengthen operational coordination and enhance border security.
According to the Army, the expanded structure will also make it easier to deploy troops and military resources more quickly to areas experiencing security threats.
The military said the changes are expected to increase the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond more effectively to emerging and evolving security challenges across the country.