The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s strategic commitment to expanding its force structure from eight to 12 divisions to enhance operational readiness and eliminate national security threats.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the assurance during an official working visit to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City, according to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The Chief of Army Staff confirmed that the newly established 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will soon become fully operational to reinforce military presence, optimise command and control structures, and accelerate rapid tactical response across Edo State and the South-South geopolitical zone.
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Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that his working visit to Edo State encompassed a comprehensive operational assessment of Headquarters 4 Brigade alongside the commissioning of key welfare infrastructure, including the Affordable Home Ownership Option for Soldiers scheme and civil-military cooperation projects designed to deepen community engagement.
Responding to the military delegation, Governor Monday Okpebholo commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained professionalism and operational sacrifices, pledging the total support and institutional collaboration of the Edo State Government to maintain regional stability.
The operationalization of the 83 Division marks a major milestone in the force expansion drive of the Nigerian Army to build a highly responsive, mobile, and effective land force capable of safeguarding national sovereignty.
