President Bola Tinubu says the Nigerian Army has operationalised new formations in four states as part of efforts to strengthen the military’s response to insecurity across the country.

The new formations are located in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun states, according to the President.

Tinubu disclosed this on Sunday in a post on his official X account, where he outlined recent measures aimed at improving the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

Troops moved closer to vulnerable communities

The President said the establishment of the formations would position soldiers closer to communities considered vulnerable to security threats.

According to him, the arrangement is intended to improve the speed with which troops can respond when communities come under attack.

“Our troops are now closer to vulnerable communities in these areas, strengthening our ability to respond swiftly and decisively when our people are threatened.”

The move is particularly significant for Zamfara and Kebbi, which have faced persistent security challenges in north-western Nigeria, while the formations in Oyo and Osun extend the Army’s operational presence in the South-West.

Government accelerates military infrastructure

Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government was accelerating the construction of additional military barracks and depots.

The projects are located in: Abuja, Ekiti State, Ebonyi State, Kogi State

The President said the military facility in Osun State has already been completed.

The infrastructure programme is intended to improve the conditions under which military personnel operate and provide additional support for deployments across the country.

Tinubu links military support to families

The President stressed that military service affects not only personnel deployed to operations but also their families.

He said government must provide greater support as it demands more from soldiers and other members of the Armed Forces.

“Every deployment is a sacrifice made by a family too,” Tinubu said.

He reaffirmed his position that the welfare of military personnel should remain an important part of the government’s response to Nigeria’s security challenges.

President highlights military pay increase

Tinubu also referred to the recent increase in military personnel’s pay.

According to him, feedback from soldiers and other members of the Armed Forces indicated that the adjustment was already having a positive effect on their families.

He said the government would continue to provide the resources required by the military to carry out its responsibilities.

The President added that his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief included ensuring that the Armed Forces had the necessary resources and support to protect Nigerians.

What the new formations could mean

The operationalisation of the formations represents an attempt to improve the Army’s forward presence and response time.

Instead of relying exclusively on troops stationed farther away, the new formations could allow commanders to deploy personnel and equipment closer to areas experiencing security threats.

However, the establishment of formations alone does not guarantee improved security.

Their effectiveness will ultimately depend on factors including: adequate troop strength, intelligence gathering, mobility and logistics, equipment and weapons, coordination with the police and other security agencies, sustained funding; and send effective engagement with local communities.

The President’s announcement therefore represents an operational and infrastructure measure, rather than evidence by itself that insecurity in the affected states has been resolved.