Army chief Shaibu appoints GOCs as Tinubu creates four new divisions

The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of four additional divisions across the country.

Yunusa Umar • July 29, 2026

The Nigerian Army has appointed general officer commanding and commanders (GOCs) to the newly established divisions to combat terrorism and other security threats in the country.

The move follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of four additional divisions across the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, army chief Waidi Shaibu approved the appointment of GOCs to the newly established Nigerian Army divisions, each linked to its respective headquarters.

The newly established divisions will commence operations immediately upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with measures implemented to attain Full Operational Capability (FOC) progressively.

Peoples Gazette reported that Kaduna, Ibadan, Jos, Makurdi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ilorin and Jalingo would serve as headquarters for the respective divisions.

The 81 Division is headquartered in Lagos, the 82 Division in Enugu, and the 83 Division in Benin City.

Mr Shaibu approved the deployment of Yakubu Yahaya to 9 Division in Ilorin, as the general officer commanding and commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.

Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife was deployed to the 10 Division in Jalingo as the general officer commanding.

Moses Gara was deployed to 5 Division, Makurdi, as the general officer commanding and commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.

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