Gen. Irabor Backs Tinubu's Plan to Grow Army to 12 Divisions

Retired General Lucky Irabor, who previously served as the Chief of Defence Staff, has expressed his approval for President Bola Tinubu's initiative to increase the Nigerian Army's operational divisions from eight to twelve. During an appearance on Arise Television's Morning Show on Wednesday, General Irabor highlighted that this expansion would necessitate substantial financial commitment towards manpower, military gear, and logistical support.

These comments follow the Nigerian Army's recent announcement of four new General Officers Commanding, a development that came after President Tinubu sanctioned the creation of four extra divisions. This strategic move aims to bolster the nation's overall security framework. The newly established divisions include the 5 Division in Makurdi, the 9 Division in Ilorin, the 10 Division in Jalingo, and the 83 Division in Benin City, with the latter expected to commence operations later this year. Additionally, the Army has brought online three new brigades to enhance its operational reach nationwide.

In his reaction to these developments, Irabor emphasized that establishing these new divisions represents merely the initial phase in developing a more robust and equitable security structure for Nigeria. He affirmed, “Expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight divisions to 12 divisions is the right step in the right direction.” The former CDS further observed that the President is keenly aware of the military's current deficiencies and voiced hope that similar enhancements would also be implemented for the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. He stated, “It’s quite heartwarming to know that the Commander-in-Chief himself is well abreast of the shortcomings of the military. If he’s starting with the Army, perhaps that’s a good step. I believe that the Navy and the Air Force will be part of the efforts.”

General Irabor, however, issued a caution, highlighting that an increase in the number of divisions carries extensive ramifications and absolutely requires sufficient allocation of resources. He explained, “Increasing from eight divisions to 12 divisions has a lot of implications. First, the existing eight divisions must be properly brought up to scale in terms of personnel, equipment, logistics and so on. I want to believe that the President is well aware of the implications of all that.”

He also applauded President Tinubu’s proposal to enlist an additional 28,000 soldiers, characterizing it as a promising start even though more extensive growth is still necessary. Irabor remarked, “I also commend the fact that the President has indicated that 28,000 soldiers will be recruited, which is barely a little over a division in terms of strength. But of course, it’s good to start from somewhere, meaning that a lot has to go into accommodation for the troops.”

The former defence principal further stated that while the Army's expansion is laudable, its successful execution will demand considerable national funding. He additionally advocated for a re-evaluation of the military’s involvement in domestic security operations, seeing it as part of a wider strategy to reinforce Nigeria’s security infrastructure. He concluded, “The creation of new military divisions is the first step in a very long road toward ensuring we have a balanced security architecture in the country. The time has come for the military to reevaluate its role in internal security.”