81 Division is the youngest Division in the Nigerian Army. The Division was formed on 26 May 2002 when Lagos Garrison Command (as it then was) was upgraded to a full-fledged Division. The Division therefore inherited the security roles hitherto performed by the defunct Lagos Garrison Command. In line with the constitutional roles for the Nigerian Army, 81 Division has operational responsibility to defend part of the South West frontier against any external threat or aggression. The said constitutional provision enables the Division to provide aid to civil authority when ordered to do so.
The logo of the Division is the palm tree with two crossed swords. Historically, the logo can be traced to the colonial logo adopted for the Nigerian Army. The Palm tree with tall even and sturdy trunk signifies strength. The height symbolizes leadership and towering nature over others, while the 2 crossed swords symbolizes valour. The unshakeable strength and the undaunting nature of the Division against all odds lie in its resolute commitment to the service of the Nation as the palm tree is to mankind. The logo was adopted by Lagos Garrison Organisation, which metamorphosed into 4 Division later re-designated 82 Division. The defunct Army Headquarters and Signals and the Lagos Garrison Command had also used the logo.
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