The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead four newly established divisions following the expansion of its operational structure across the country.
The appointments come as the newly created formations officially commence operations, marking a significant step in strengthening the Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges and improve military presence across strategic regions.
Among the key deployments, Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the newly created 9 Division headquartered in Ilorin. He will also serve as the Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.
Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been assigned as the General Officer Commanding of the 10 Division in Jalingo, while Major General Moses Gara takes charge of the 5 Division in Makurdi. In addition to his new role, Gara will oversee Operation WHIRL STROKE, a major military operation focused on tackling insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda has been posted as the General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division in Ibadan.
The Nigerian Army also announced the activation of three new brigades to enhance operational effectiveness. Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi has been appointed Commander of the newly established 11 Brigade in Gboko. Brigadier General A.M. Haruna will command the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been named Commander of the 10 Brigade in Lafia.
The creation of the new divisions—5 Division, 9 Division, 10 Division and 83 Division—was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions.
The expansion is expected to improve military readiness, strengthen internal security operations, enhance rapid response capabilities and reinforce the Army’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
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The latest appointments underscore the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to restructuring its command architecture in line with evolving national security demands, while positioning experienced senior officers to lead the newly activated formations.
