Tinubu’s army expansion aims to boost security and deter coups
President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army by four new divisions, increasing its size and operational reach. The move follows a failed coup plot and is intended to strengthen constitutional order and improve the military’s ability to respond to security threats. Senior military officers and government officials say the reforms are part of a broader strategy to modernise the armed forces and adapt to evolving security challenges. Some experts have raised concerns about the financial and logistical demands of such a large-scale expansion.
What we know
- Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Army was influenced by a security review after a failed coup plot.
- The Army’s field divisions will increase from eight to twelve, with 28,000 additional personnel to be recruited.
- Military sources say the expansion aims to make unconstitutional takeovers more difficult and improve internal security.
- The Presidency insists the reforms are not politically motivated but are meant to modernise outdated military structures.
- Some experts warn that the expansion will require significant funding and resources to be effective.
