BREAKING: President Tinubu Approves Expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 Divisions, Recruiting 28,000 Additional Personnel
Here is the full list of the 12 Divisions after President Tinubuβs approval:
1. 1 Division β Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States)
2. 2 Division β Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States)
3. 3 Division β Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States)
4. 5 Division β Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States)
5. 6 Division β Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States)
6. 7 Division β Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States)
7. 8 Division β Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States)
8. 9 Division β Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States)
9. 10 Division β Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States)
10. 81 Division β Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States)
11. 82 Division β Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States)
12. 83 Division β Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States)
The implementation of the new force structure will be executed in two phases. The initial phase, which includes the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions, along with the reorganization of existing formations, is slated for completion by September 2026. The subsequent phase, which involves the establishment of the 83 Division and additional reorganization, is anticipated to be finalized by December 2026.
Damn ...
Bringing back so many bitter sweet memories.
This very Operation still remain the reason why Nigeria is still standing strong today when it comes to fighting Terrorists across Nigeria.
We never knew the extent at which the terrorists are so close to capturing Maiduguri at large, until we started that operation.
That was the first Operation with late Col Abu-Ali and I can tell you he was the reason for that successful season.
Majority of the troops morale has already been dampened and virtually everyone are not ready to fight anymore.
They believe people are sabotaging their efforts in frontline.
But the appointment of then Maj Gen Lamidi Adeosun brought some sigh of relief and fresh air across all locations.
The only viable location BHTs haven't captured them was only Konduga and Biu, even at that Konduga was on the verge. Because the volume of attacks in that location then was crazy.
That period the President postponed the Election by 6 weeks and ask the whole locations be recapturd back.
Most importantly Baga, because the news of BHTs capturing Baga went viral and it was their biggest of operation.
The task to go and recapture it back was one hell of a difficult task.
But unknown to us when you have a man capable of doing virtually everything in then Maj Abu-Ali, then everything is as good as done.
We saw a petit man with overall and those at the back could not even see his rank properly and thought it was a random person like CJTF π
But with General Adeosun Al's listening carefully, I was curious to know who's this.
He introduced himself and I was like ah a Major? This small? But the definition of small but mighty is truly him.
Immediately he said " Gentlemen I will lead from the front and everyone should follow me behind. I will do 95% of the job you people should do just 5% by clearing/capturing the one running for their lives.
Morale was high again, at that point I wanted running immediately to go and man my Gun. But last address from the GOC again.
I immediately knew this Operation will be successful in my head I was already planning.
Because the amount of ammunition they brought for us, I have never seen it in my life. We can fight for good 3 months without requesting for more, but unfortunately the number of obstacles we met on our way those ammunitions finished in 2 weeks.
These terrorists already manned very close to Maiduguri, like imagine fighting from Tungushe until we entered Monguno, it was that close.
Fee KM to Monguno these people ambushed with various tanks and the volume of fire can confuse your enemies to pray for you, it was so deadly.
We saw some crazy things after capturing Monguno, imagine they turned the QG to their own colour and inside the hospital they have their patients there receiving treatment.
They never thought anybody will breakthrough and enter that Monguno, to tell you how prepared they are.
Then the toughest of task came, proceeding to recapture Baga.
Moving from Monguno. Yoyo. Mile90. Kekeno and getting close Kuros, that was when the biggest of shock hit us, firing from all angles and at a point the tank seized and from my Gun I couldn't hear any of his explosion.
What's happening? That was I respected them Col Eyitayo. Man stood his ground calling for calm, we never knew Maj Abu-Ali has fainted inside the tank, after almost 20 minutes we heard his shot again. See the joy and morale again in everyone's face.
We enter Baga and that was where they nicknamed him and that T72 tank Dodo.
Because they were ruthless and resilient there, and the ambush was crazy, Abu-Ali will just zoomed from his tank and release, the bomb will melt and destroyed everything there.
Immediately we captured Baga, it was like a task almost impossible to achieve.
The then COAS Lt Gen KTJ Minimah and CDS Alex Badeh came within few minutes, like they were all waiting just to hear the good /1
KIDNAPPED STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN OYO STATE RESCUED FOLLOWING, SURGICAL INTENSE AND WELL COORDINATED OPERATIONS IN OLD OYO NATIONAL PARK AND OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
1. Following an intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations, on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, *Major General CR Nnebeife*, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC),the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns, in a well coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
2. The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.
3. As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to *unconditionally release* the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.
4. It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.
5. The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families.
6. The GOC 2 Division wish to on behalf of all the participating agencies most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Strategic Guidance, Support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.
7. The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the State for their continous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.
8. The GOC also appreciates the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Hon Minster of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA as well as Heads of other Security Agencies for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
9. We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigeria populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the Nation. We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.
DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
2 Division Army Public Relations
10 July 2026
I wish the ONSA, DHQ and the DSS can declassify the operational details of what happened in the 4 previous attempt to rescue the Oriire victims which the 5th one became successful. The ISR was integral to the success of the operation.
ISR picture taken weeks ago during the Ops.
Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks.
The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.
I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible.
To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Mission Accomplished: To the units who have been in the forest ensuring the safety of the Hostages and The Nigeria Air Force and USAF who kept watch consistently for over a month.
Thank you.