Abuja – Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has moved to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational grip on the South-South, assuring that the newly established 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, Edo State, will soon become fully operational.
The move marks a significant step in the Army’s ambitious expansion programme from eight to 12 divisions, as the military intensifies efforts to strengthen its response to emerging security threats, improve troop deployment and close operational gaps across the country.
Gen Shaibu gave the assurance on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo at Government House, Benin City, where he reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to building a stronger, more responsive and operationally effective fighting force.
The COAS explained that the 83 Division was a critical component of the ongoing force expansion strategy, designed to reinforce military presence, improve command and control structures and accelerate responses to security emergencies.
With its headquarters in Benin City, the Division is expected to strengthen military operations in Edo State and the wider South-South region, bringing additional operational capacity to bear on security challenges confronting the area.
The Army Chief said his visit also provided an opportunity to assess operational activities at Headquarters 4 Brigade and commission key projects aimed at improving soldiers’ welfare and strengthening relations between the military and civilian population.
Among the projects is the Affordable Home Ownership Option for Soldiers (AHOOAS), which is designed to improve access to housing for military personnel.
He is also expected to commission Civil-Military Cooperation projects intended to deepen the relationship between the Army and host communities, particularly in areas where public cooperation remains critical to successful security operations.
Governor Okpebholo commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to peace and security in Edo State, assuring the COAS that his administration would sustain its partnership with the military.
He pledged continued government support and collaboration with security agencies to consolidate stability and strengthen the protection of lives and property across the state.
The operationalisation of the 83 Division would represent another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s restructuring drive, which seeks to expand its command structure, improve operational reach and position the force to confront Nigeria’s increasingly complex security environment.
