Nigerian Army names new GOCs for four freshly created divisions as the expanded formations begin operations

The Nigerian Army has appointed new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for four newly established divisions as the service begins the operational rollout of its expanded 12-division force structure.

The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, follow President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the creation of four additional divisions aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity, improving command and control, and enhancing responses to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. The new formations will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with a phased transition to Full Operational Capability (FOC).  

The newly appointed commanders are:

• Major General Moses Gara – General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Makurdi, and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke.
• Major General Yakubu Yahaya – General Officer Commanding 9 Division, Ilorin, and Commander of Operation Savanna Shield.
• Major General Chinedu Nnebeife – General Officer Commanding 10 Division, Jalingo.
• The 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, is scheduled to become operational later in the year as part of the second phase of the Army’s expansion.  

As part of the reorganisation, the Army also redistributed divisional responsibilities across the country. The newly created 5 Division will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division will cover Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa States; while the 83 Division will eventually cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.