The Nigerian Army has announced plans to establish a new Brigade Command in Otukpo as part of its ongoing expansion and restructuring from eight to twelve Divisions, including the creation of the new 5 Division headquartered in Makurdi, Benue State. The disclosure was made on Friday when the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Maxwell Ogiri, FCAI, hosted the Army Headquarters Field Visit and Implementation Committee for the operationalisation of 5 Division.
The military team was led by Major General RT Utsaha, alongside the pioneer General Officer Commanding of 5 Division, Major General MK Gara. The meeting took place at the Council Secretariat in Otukpo. Major General Utsaha revealed that the Nigerian Army already has 224 hectares of land at the Entina axis of Otukpo earmarked for the proposed Brigade Command. He further disclosed that the team had also visited Agatu Local Government Area, where the Army plans to establish a Battalion.
In his response, Chairman Ogiri expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army authorities for selecting Otukpo as the location for the Brigade Command. He assured the military of the Local Government Council’s full support towards the successful establishment of the facility. Ogiri noted that the presence of the Brigade Command would significantly strengthen security and help curb the activities of armed groups and other violent elements across Otukpo and its environs.
Following the discussions, the Chairman and the military delegation embarked on an inspection tour of the 224-hectare site proposed for the project at the Entina axis of Otukpo.
