Retired Major General Anthony Atolagbe has lauded President Bola Tinubu's recent overhaul of the Nigerian Army's command structure, describing it as a bold and strategic response to the nation's complex security challenges.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today programme, the former commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) said the expansion of the army from eight to 12 divisions is a decisive move toward eliminating criminal elements nationwide.
Creation of Four New Divisions
President Tinubu approved the establishment of four new Army divisions, each with its own headquarters: in Makurdi (Benue State), Ilorin (Kwara State), Jalingo (Taraba State), and Benin City (Edo State). Alongside this restructuring, the government authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen Nigeria's security framework.
Atolagbe noted that the restructuring reflects a bold and audacious command adjustment, adding that the newly appointed leadership is positioned to translate these reforms into decisive victories for troops on the ground.
Adapting to Shifting Threats
According to the retired general, the new divisional structure is necessary because Nigeria's security threats have evolved from scattered insurgent cells into more sophisticated and coordinated terrorist networks. He emphasised the need for commanders with direct, recent theatre experience who can adapt swiftly to changing conditions.
"The new commanders will leverage their operational experience and familiarity with local terrain to improve the military's performance in high-risk operations," Atolagbe said. This will enable troops to reclaim ungoverned spaces and deploy aerial surveillance technology more effectively against criminal elements.
Decentralised Command for Faster Response
The restructuring places command formations closer to areas most affected by insecurity, enhancing the military's ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats. Specifically, the newly created 5 Division in Makurdi will cover Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi states; the 9 Division in Ilorin covers Kwara and Niger; the 10 Division in Jalingo covers Taraba and Adamawa; and the 83 Division in Benin City covers Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa. The existing 81 Division, headquartered in Lagos, covers Lagos and Ogun states.
Atolagbe explained that such proximity to crisis zones facilitates faster operational response and more effective containment of criminal activity.
Boosting Troop Numbers and Technology
The retired general linked the restructuring directly to the recruitment of over 28,000 additional personnel, describing it as a critical boost to the military's field strength. He also highlighted plans to develop elite, specialised squads equipped with modern military technology, including drones, advanced ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles, and sophisticated intelligence-gathering assets.
"The integration of these tools will enhance precision targeting and strengthen tactical operations on the ground," Atolagbe said. He noted that the designated command locations—Jalingo, Makurdi, and Benin City—are strategically positioned to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities in their respective regions.
