President Bola Tinubu has said the Nigerian Army has operationalised new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun states as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve response to threats against vulnerable communities.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement posted on his social media handles on Sunday, saying the new formations would bring troops closer to communities and enable faster responses to security threats.
“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,” he said.
The President also announced that the Federal Government was accelerating the construction of military barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi states, while projects in Osun State had been completed.
According to him, the infrastructure projects are aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of military personnel and their families.
“We are also fast-tracking the construction of new barracks and depots in Abuja, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Kogi, with Osun already completed. As we demand more from our men and women in uniform, we must do more to support them and their families,” Tinubu said.
The President also highlighted the impact of the recent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces, saying the adjustment had improved the welfare of personnel and 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 Federal Government had in August announced salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 Armed Forces personnel, with the new pay structure taking effect from September 1, 2026.
Tinubu said the sacrifices of military personnel also affect their families, stressing the need for government to provide adequate resources and support for those serving the country.
“Every deployment is a sacrifice made by a family too. As our Armed Forces stand watch over Nigeria, my duty as Commander-in-Chief is to ensure they have the resources and support to do their job, and that Nigeria stands firmly behind the families waiting for them at home,” he added.
The move comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen military capacity amid security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in different parts of the country.
In July, Tinubu said the creation of four additional Army divisions was intended to enable the military to respond more quickly to insecurity across the country.
The new formations in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun are expected to increase the Army’s operational presence in the affected areas and improve its ability to respond to emerging security threats.
