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President Tinubu Approves Expansion Of Nigerian Army To 12 Divisions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga says, “this approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.”According to the statement, “the expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.”Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions, strategically positioned across the country as follows:1. 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States)2. 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States)3. 3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States)4. 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States)5. 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States)6. 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States)7. 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States)8. 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States)9. 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States)10. 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States)11. 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States)12. 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases.
The Enugu State House of Assembly, on Monday, called for urgent government intervention following a landslide that cut off Ugwueme and Nenwenta communities in Awgu Local Government Area from other parts of the state.
The Assembly urged the Enugu State Government, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ecological Fund to urgently mobilise resources to address the situation and restore access to the affected communities.
The landslide, which occurred on September 18 following torrential rainfall, reportedly blocked the road linking the two communities, forcing residents to pass through neighbouring Abia and Imo states to access other parts of Enugu State.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance, the member representing Awgu South State Constituency, Hon. Anthony Nwankwo, said the disaster had paralysed movement and made emergency response difficult in the affected communities.
Nwankwo also revealed that a family of four reportedly died after a collapsed overhead water tank crushed them, leaving only a four-year-old child who was subsequently rescued.
He lamented that the victims might have been rescued alive if the road leading to the communities had remained accessible.
Nwankwo therefore urged the Assembly to prevail on the relevant authorities to urgently clear the road and restore access to Ugwueme and Nenwenta.
“I move that the House do write the relevant authorities to intervene to open the road leading to Ugwueme and Nenwenta,” he said.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers expressed sympathy with Nwankwo and residents of the affected communities, describing the incident as a serious natural disaster requiring immediate intervention.
Members representing Ezeagu, Nkanu East and Oji River State Constituencies, Hon. Chima Obieze, Hon. Okey Mba and Hon. Osita Eze, respectively, also urged residents to avoid constructing buildings close to hills and engaging in indiscriminate excavation of soil and stones.
They warned that such activities could worsen the risk of landslides.
The lawmakers, however, stressed that government agencies should immediately mobilise resources to clear the affected road and restore access to the communities.
Assembly Confirms Civil Service Commission Nominees
Meanwhile, the Assembly screened and confirmed the appointment of a chairman and four members of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission nominated by Governor Peter Mbah.
The nominees are Prof. Gabriel Ajah as Chairman; Christian Mbah, Member 1; Mrs. Stella Ekweremadu, Member 2; Mrs. Emmanuela Uzonna Ogarabe, Member 3; and Mrs. Theresa Ifeanyichukwu Onyefuzili, Member 4.
The nominees were subsequently confirmed after the lawmakers found them qualified for the positions.
They were asked to take a bow and leave without undergoing prolonged screening after presenting their curriculum vitae and professional records to the Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the nominees, Ajah pledged that punctuality and discipline would be central to the commission under his leadership.
“We shall lead by example. We must be punctual to work,” he said.
Before his appointment, Ajah had served the Enugu State Government in various capacities, including 19 years as Permanent Secretary and 14 years as Dean of Permanent Secretaries.
He also served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), among other positions.
The Federal Government has sealed a deal for the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from US-based Bell Textron as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s airpower and security capabilities.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Nigerian Air Force delegation to a beam-signing ceremony at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas, marking a major milestone in the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is aimed at modernising the Armed Forces and enhancing their capacity to respond to security threats.
Aneke described the acquisition as an important milestone in efforts to build a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.
He said the programme would support the NAF’s objective of developing a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering effective airpower in coordination with ground forces.
The Chief of Air Staff also stressed the need to ensure that the newly acquired capabilities translated into improved operational effectiveness and stronger support for Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his strategic leadership and support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of five new helicopters—three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The latest acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s military airpower and strengthen its response to terrorism, banditry and other security challenges.
Source: Punch Newspapers�
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By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance work on the First River Niger Bridge has been extended by one week due to persistent heavy rainfall across Anambra State.
The Federal Government had earlier closed the bridge to traffic to allow contractors to carry out maintenance work on the aging structure, with the initial closure scheduled to last for two weeks.
The contractor had previously raised concerns over inadequate lighting and poor sanitation around the bridge, saying the challenges were affecting night operations and posing security concerns for workers and construction materials.
However, the maintenance work has been further disrupted by heavy rainfall, which has persisted across the state for almost a week.
When reporters visited the bridge on Monday morning during another heavy downpour, workers were unable to commence operations. Some sections that had already been worked on were also reportedly affected by the continuous rainfall.
The Controller of Works, Engr. Timothy Emenike, who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said the impact of the rainfall meant that the workers needed at least three consecutive dry days before they could effectively return to work.
He said the completion date had consequently been extended by one week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
“We have actually done a lot of work on most portions of the bridge, but with the constant heavy rains for almost one week, some areas have been affected and need at least three dry days for us to return to site.
“So, in view of what is on ground, we have extended the date for the completion of the project by one week, depending on the weather. For now, we pray that we shall have three dry days for us to return to site,” Emenike said.
Emenike, however, disclosed that after the maintenance work is completed, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, would conduct another inspection of the bridge before approval is given for its reopening.
He also said the challenge of inadequate lighting for night operations had been addressed, while the sanitation problems around the bridge had also been resolved.
By Our Reporter
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved the appointment of 101 new aides as Special Advisers (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs).
The appointments, which take effect immediately, were contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
The new appointees will handle various responsibilities covering economic development, political mobilisation, community engagement, youth development, environmental management, infrastructure, communication, women empowerment and other areas.
The appointments comprise seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants and 88 Special Assistants.
Special Advisers
- Chief S.N.C. Nwagu — Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo — Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs and Coordination
- Augustine Okoli — Special Adviser on Policy Affairs and Analysis
- Hon. Pedro Nwankwo — Special Adviser on Stakeholders Relations and Community Affairs
- Chimezie Nkwuo — Special Adviser on Economic Development
- Chief Vitalis Okonkwo — Special Adviser on Grassroots Coordination
- Peter Andy Omeje — Special Adviser on Commerce and Business Development
Senior Special Assistants
- Rachael Okonkwo — Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development
- Barr. Okey Ude — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party and Mobilisation
- Hon. Chinedu Chukwunwike — Senior Special Assistant on Party Monitoring
- Barr. Peter Chukwujekwu Ogbe — Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Chukwudi Ozoeluba — Senior Special Assistant on Boundary and Land Dispute Resolution
- Frank Udemezue — Senior Special Assistant on Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Special Assistants
- Hon. Alachi Aaron Onu — Special Assistant on Forest Protection and Conservation
- Ugwu Emmanuel Chima — Special Assistant on Market Maintenance and Sanitation
- Dr. Okwoigwe Modestus Ndubuisi — Special Assistant on Health Facility Maintenance
- Hon. Okechukwu Agu — Special Assistant on Environmental Protection
- Ozor Ejike Okpe — Special Assistant on Enlightenment and Communication
- Solomon Gwiyi — Special Assistant on Publications and Documentation
- Cornelius Ugwu — Special Assistant on Town Union Coordination
- Hon. Romanus Ugwu — Special Assistant on Market Decongestion
- Hon. Gab Onu — Special Assistant on Market Sanitation
- Prince Lawrence Ugwu — Special Assistant on Road Infrastructure Maintenance
- Ugwunnadi Pius Nwabueze — Special Assistant on Grassroots and Rural Integration
- Timothy Chukwuemeka Nnaji — Special Assistant on Community Youth Engagement and Development
- Nick Nnaji — Special Assistant on Town Union Matters
- Mrs. Eucharia Anunobi — Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation, Enugu-North Zone
- Aneke Ogbonna Ajie — Special Assistant on Community Engagement
- Christian Ede — Special Assistant on Government House Matters
- Pastor Emeka Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Humanitarian Band and Entertainment
- Chidi Udo — Special Assistant on Interstate Relations
- Engr. Egbonwonu Jude Chikezie — Special Assistant on Infrastructure Monitoring and Maintenance
- Emma Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Civic Education and Voter Awareness
- Ali Stanley Osita — Special Assistant on Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs
- Hon. Onuora Udeanugwo — Special Assistant on Cooperative Development and Empowerment
- Sunday Ignatius Okafor — Special Assistant on Political and Grassroots Mobilisation
- Barr. Chika Nzelu — Special Assistant on Non-Indigene Relations
- Hon. Ugwuoke Emeka Sylvanus — Special Assistant on Environmental Management
- Miss Domitila Chidimma Ozioko — Special Assistant on Public Engagement and Advocacy
- Hon. Emmanuel Ugwu — Special Assistant on Human Development
- Nnadia Ajima Nwodo — Special Assistant on Ecological Management
- Peter Oramalu — Special Assistant on Urban Beautification
- Sabastine Ngwu — Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment
- Mr. Titus Ike Olu — Special Assistant on Public Awareness and Sensitisation
- Mr. Jude Aniogbo — Special Assistant on Industrial Harmony
- Romanus Agada — Special Assistant on Public Advocacy
- Onogwu Festus Chibuike — Special Assistant on Community Development
- Ugwuja Emmanuel Okeke — Special Assistant on Public Engagement
- Barr. Nnabuike Nwodo — Special Assistant on Public Utilities (North)
- Ugwu Ikechukwu — Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs
- Ugwu Franklin Izuchukwu — Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment and Orientation
- Aniagor Sunday Okechukwu — Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation
- Tobias Ogbonna Onuh — Special Assistant on Rural Development
- Abugu Sabastine Ekene — Special Assistant on Social Orientation
- Ugwu Cletus — Special Assistant on Public Communication
- Engr. Onyeka Solomon — Special Assistant on Public Participation and Inclusion
- Hon. Innocent Anayo Eze — Special Assistant on Youth Engagement
- Okwo Emeka Robert — Special Assistant on Environment
- Hon. Fred Ozoilo — Special Assistant on Training and Strategy
- Celestine Ikeana — Special Assistant on Youth Development
- Mr. Christian Njeke — Special Assistant on Capacity Building
- Hon. Mark Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Community Building
- Chuma Dilibe Esq. — Special Assistant on Technology and Innovation
- Engr. Ugwu Uchenna — Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment and Skills Development
- Hon. Ikerionwu Eze — Special Assistant on Digital Innovation
- Dr. Cordelia Idoko — Special Assistant on Gender Coordination and Empowerment
- Com. Mike Okenwa — Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development
- Prince Ifeanyi Onuora — Special Assistant on National Orientation
- Gabriel Igwe — Special Assistant on Community Enlightenment and Outreach
- Uche Ezugwu — Special Assistant on Environmental and Sanitation
- Ozioko Theophilus — Special Assistant on Youth Engagement
- Igwe Ifebuche Cyprian — Special Assistant on Protocol
- Peter Chibuzor Nwaekemezie — Special Assistant on Market Orientation
- Mrs. Eucharia Ani — Special Assistant on Gender Advocacy
- Hon. Solomon Egbo — Special Assistant on Contact and Mobilisation
- Obinna Augustine Okenwa — Special Assistant on Youth and Sports
- Engr. Wilson Ogbonna — Special Assistant on Monitoring and Evaluation
- Paul Nwodo — Special Assistant on Government Communication
- Chukwudi Nwatu — Special Assistant on Social Media
- Blessing Ugwoke — Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation
- Prince Nonso Nnaji — Special Assistant on Youths Alliance
- Barr. Francis Anurika Ani — Special Assistant on Social Engagement
- Hon. Ngene Chijioke Oscar — Special Assistant on Urban Renewal and Beautification
- Hon. Okwudili Onuora — Special Assistant on Security Intelligence
- Maduako Ikenna Philip — Special Assistant on Regional Integration
- Ngozi Itanyi — Special Assistant on Grassroots Women Coordination
- Agbo Kinsley Okechukwu A. — Special Assistant on Stakeholders Engagement
- Chekwube Henry Ogbodo — Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation
- Chukwuma Prince Uche — Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation
- Kingsley Chekwube Ude — Special Assistant on Media Relations
- Onwuka Toti Miracle — Special Assistant on Special Duties
- Chukwudi Ozor — Special Assistant on Project Monitoring
- Mama Onyebuchi Emmanuel — Special Assistant on Public Affairs
- Eze Godwin — Special Assistant on Inter-Party Relationship and Management
- Ishienyi Olisaemeka — Special Assistant on Social Welfare and Community Relations
- Chief Robert Alum — Special Assistant on Rural Development and Livelihood
- Humphrey Madu — Special Assistant on Political Liaison
- Uroko Innocent — Special Assistant on Inter-Governmental Affairs
- Ifeanyi Ani — Special Assistant on Community Mobilisation
- Chikezie Aga — Special Assistant on Civic Values and National Reorientation
- Surv. Julius Nshiodo — Special Assistant on Rural Surveys and Land Development
The appointments take effect immediately.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
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