Retired generals commend Nigerian Army expansion and new divisions
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Retired Nigerian Army generals have praised President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 personnel. They view this as a strategic move to enhance national security and military operations. The retired officers, speaking in separate interviews, stated that the decision would improve the Army鈥檚 operational effectiveness, reduce unemployment, and strengthen the country's response to insecurity. President Tinubu had approved the establishment of four new divisional headquarters in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City on July 24 as part of reforms to boost the Army鈥檚 operational capacity. Brig Gen George Emdin retd. noted that the increased troop strength would help address security challenges and create opportunities within the military, with broader national benefits. Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi retd. described the approval as a long-awaited development, emphasizing that the Army鈥檚 order of battle should reflect current security threats. He believes the new divisions will improve military presence in areas exploited by terrorists and criminal groups, leading to a drastic reduction in such activities. The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, outlined the new 12-division structure, detailing the states covered by each headquarters. The four new commands are expected to improve command and control, decentralize decision-making, enhance counter-insu
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Must ReadThe Federal Government has increased annual admissions into nursing schools from approximately 20,000 to 50,000 students. This initiative, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to tackle Nigeria's shortage of healthcare professionals and bolster the country's health workforce. The expansion is part of broader education reforms designed to produce a skilled workforce to support President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Admissions into medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry programs have also seen significant increases. Dr. Alausa expressed confidence that these reforms will substantially reduce the healthcare professional shortage within a few years. He emphasized the government's commitment to human capital development and positioning Nigeria as a global supplier of skilled manpower. The minister also noted the administration's efforts to restore industrial harmony in tertiary institutions and the sustainable design of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND. This expansion addresses the persistent shortage of healthcare workers, exacerbated by migration, and seeks to meet local healthcare needs while contributing to the global labor market.
Must ReadThe Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the death of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town, on July 23. The Consulate described the circumstances surrounding his death as questionable and expressed deep concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who sustained severe injuries in the same operation. The Nigerian mission called for an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. The Consulate stated that this incident highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct against foreign nationals, especially amid rising Afrophobic sentiment. While urging Nigerians in South Africa to obey laws, the Consulate stressed that no alleged offense justifies execution-style enforcement. The mission extended condolences to Simon's family and wished Chuks a speedy recovery, appealing to Nigerians in South Africa to remain peaceful while pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic channels. This incident follows other recent killings of Nigerians in South Africa, including Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, and previous evacuations of Nigerians due to anti-African sentiment.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Private Mohammed Yusuf, a soldier declared wanted for allegedly supplying military accoutrements to terrorist and criminal elements. He was apprehended by troops of 7 Provost Group, Operation Hadin Kai, at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, on July 25, 2026, while reportedly attempting to flee to Cameroon. According to Captain Muhammed Goni, acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Private Yusuf, 23NA/84/1939, absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and went into hiding in Maiduguri. He had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23, 2026, for these allegations. The Army stated that his arrest highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and their commitment to holding personnel accountable. Private Yusuf is currently in custody, and further investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of his activities and identify any accomplices. The Army emphasized its resolve to maintain professionalism and integrity in counter-insurgency operations and urged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.