BREAKING: Nigerian Army Approves Four Additional Formations in Oyo State

Makinde Hails Development, Says New Formations Will Strengthen Security Across the State.

 

The Nigerian Army has approved four additional military formations in Oyo State, in a major development expected to strengthen security operations, improve rapid response to emerging threats and expand the military’s presence across the state.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as the Oyo State Government expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the approval.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, made the commendation at a public sensitisation programme for indigenes and stakeholders on the ongoing 92 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

FOUR NEW FORMATIONS

According to the state government, the newly approved formations include:

• A Brigade and Battalion in Oyo town;
• An Infantry Battalion in Kishi;
• An Artillery Regiment Battalion in Iseyin; and
• Another Battalion in Oriire Local Government Area.

The new formations are expected to give the Nigerian Army a stronger operational footprint in different parts of Oyo State and enhance its ability to respond to security threats.

The development is particularly significant against the backdrop of growing concerns over banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality affecting communities in parts of the state.

Governor Makinde described the presence of an organised and identifiable institution such as the Nigerian Army as critical to confronting contemporary security challenges.

He also linked the Army's recruitment drive to employment opportunities for young people, noting that although the Oyo State Government had employed more than 23,000 workers into the public and civil service since 2019, thousands of qualified young people remained without jobs.

ARMY PRESENCE EXPANDING

The latest development comes against the background of the Federal Government's broader restructuring and expansion of the Nigerian Army.

In July, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and improve the military's operational effectiveness.

The Nigerian Army subsequently began operationalising newly established formations in several parts of the country.

On October 5, the Presidency announced that new Army formations had been operationalised in Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo and Osun States, with the stated objective of bringing troops closer to vulnerable communities and strengthening rapid response to security threats.

In Oyo State, the new military presence is already taking shape.

Earlier this month, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, inspected newly established formations, including Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, as part of efforts to ensure their operational readiness and smooth take-off.

The GOC urged troops to remain disciplined, professional and proactive while maintaining strong relationships with host communities.

RECRUITMENT OPENS OPPORTUNITY FOR OYO YOUTHS

At Wednesday's sensitisation programme, the Team Lead, Brigadier General Olusegun Okungbure, disclosed that the ongoing 92 Regular Recruits Intake commenced on September 9 and will run until October 21, 2026.

The exercise is open to qualified male and female indigenes of Oyo State.

Brigadier General Okungbure stressed that the application is free, urging prospective applicants to use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.

He explained that the recruitment drive followed an earlier exercise ordered by the Chief of Army Staff because of low participation from Oyo State.

Although the previous intervention improved the number of applications from the state, Oyo reportedly still fell short of its allotted quota of successful candidates.

The Army therefore appealed to stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other influential citizens to encourage qualified young people across the state's 33 local government areas to take advantage of the opportunity.

Beyond employment, the Army said military service provides opportunities for national integration, peacekeeping operations, international exposure, career development and improved welfare.

SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT

The establishment of the new formations therefore carries significance beyond military deployment.

For Oyo State, the development could potentially mean a stronger security presence in strategic locations, faster response to emergencies and greater military capacity to confront criminal elements.

It also comes at a time when security has become a major concern across the state, particularly following recent incidents of kidnapping and banditry.

The Oyo State Government has consequently urged communities to support security agencies by providing useful information and cooperating with personnel deployed to their areas.

Major General Lukman Omoniyi (rtd), Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Coordination, also called on stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment to ensure that Oyo State benefits fully from the Army's recruitment exercise.

The Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, similarly encouraged parents to support their children and wards who are qualified and interested in joining the Nigerian Army.

A NEW SECURITY ARCHITECTURE FOR OYO

With the approval and operationalisation of additional formations, Oyo State is witnessing a significant expansion of the Nigerian Army's footprint.

From Oyo town to Kishi, Iseyin and Oriire, the new formations are expected to bring military personnel closer to communities and improve the state's capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.

The development also places a responsibility on communities to maintain constructive relationships with the military and other security agencies.

As the new formations settle into their operational roles, residents will be watching closely to see how the expanded military presence translates into greater security, faster response times and improved protection of lives and property across Oyo State.

Ayekooto Media NG — Reporting Oyo State, Nigeria, and the issues that matter to the people.

David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

David Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".