New Army formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun will bring troops closer to vulnerable communities and strengthen Nigeria’s security response.
Tinubu disclosed the development on Sunday while outlining recent steps taken by his administration to improve the operational capacity and welfare of the Armed Forces. He said the new Army formations would give troops a stronger presence in the affected areas and improve their ability to respond when communities come under threat.
According to the President, the deployment will help the military respond more quickly because troops will operate closer to the communities they are expected to protect.
“This week, the Nigerian Army operationalised new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun. Our troops are now closer to vulnerable communities in these areas, strengthening our ability to respond swiftly and decisively when our people are threatened,” Tinubu said.
The announcement comes as security challenges continue to affect different parts of Nigeria, with the North-West remaining a major area of concern because of attacks, kidnappings and other threats faced by communities.
New Army Formations to Improve Security Response
The new Army formations are expected to increase the military’s presence in the four states and give commanders a more direct operational reach within areas facing security concerns.
For communities located far from existing military bases, the presence of additional formations could reduce the distance troops need to cover before reaching areas affected by an attack or other security emergency. The government has presented the move as part of a broader effort to improve the Armed Forces’ operational capacity.
Zamfara and Kebbi are among the states that have faced persistent security challenges in recent years, while Oyo and Osun are also included in the latest expansion of Army formations.
Tinubu said the government would continue to strengthen the military’s ability to protect Nigerians by providing the infrastructure and resources required for personnel to perform their duties.
The President also announced that the Federal Government was accelerating the construction of new military barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi states. He added that the facility in Osun State had already been completed.
These projects are expected to provide additional infrastructure for military personnel while supporting the wider effort to improve their working and living conditions.
Tinubu Highlights Military Welfare
Beyond the new Army formations and infrastructure projects, Tinubu placed emphasis on the welfare of military personnel and their families, saying the government must provide adequate support as soldiers face increasing demands in the course of their duties.
“As we demand more from our men and women in uniform, we must do more to support them and their families,” the President said.
Tinubu also pointed to the recent increase in the pay of Armed Forces personnel, saying servicemen and women had shared how the adjustment was affecting their lives and those of their families.
“Over the past few days, servicemen and women of the Armed Forces have shared what the recent pay increase means for them and their families. I am glad it is making a difference,” he said.
The President further acknowledged that military deployments affect more than the personnel serving on the front lines. He said their families also make sacrifices when their relatives are deployed to areas where security operations are taking place.
“Every deployment is a sacrifice made by a family too,” Tinubu said.
He added that his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief included ensuring that the Armed Forces had the resources and support required to carry out their duties.
The government’s latest measures therefore combine the deployment of new Army formations with investments in military infrastructure and personnel welfare. The approach is aimed at strengthening the military’s presence while providing better support for those serving and their families.
Tinubu said the government would continue to stand behind members of the Armed Forces as they carry out their responsibilities across the country.
The new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun now form part of the Nigerian Army’s operational structure, with the government expecting their presence to improve response times and strengthen security operations in the affected areas.