NEWS
Nigerian Army to Recruit 28,000 Additional Soldiers as New Training Depot Boosts Fight Against Insecurity
The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers in a major effort to strengthen its manpower and intensify ongoing operations against insecurity across the country.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a press briefing to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief explained that the recruitment expansion was made possible by the establishment of a new military training depot at Amasiri Edda. The new facility, now the third recruit training institution of the Nigerian Army, is expected to significantly increase the Army’s capacity to train able-bodied Nigerians for military service.
According to him, manpower remains as critical as modern equipment in the fight against insecurity. He noted that the creation of the new training depot would enable the Army to recruit and train an additional 28,000 personnel, thereby enhancing its operational strength and improving its ability to confront security threats across the nation.
Beyond expanding its workforce, the Nigerian Army has also established additional brigades and operational units while continuously reviewing its force structure to bridge deployment gaps and respond more effectively to emerging security challenges.
The Army leadership disclosed that it has continued to strengthen operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern military platforms, combat enablers, and strategic partnerships aimed at improving battlefield effectiveness.
The service has also institutionalised measures to recognise gallantry among personnel, improve the welfare of soldiers and their families, and embark on extensive infrastructure development projects across formations nationwide.
Reflecting on the achievements recorded since assuming office seven months ago, Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the Army had made significant progress in operational effectiveness, manpower development, infrastructure, professionalism, and civil-military relations.
He explained that his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency operational environment.
The Army Chief further noted that this vision is anchored on a “Soldier-First” culture, which prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a key factor in achieving operational success.
He added that the Nigerian Army is also refining its deployment strategies while leveraging modern technology as a force multiplier to accelerate efforts aimed at degrading terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, separatist activities, and other forms of criminality across the country.
According to him, troops remain actively engaged in various operations nationwide and have continued to record significant successes against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements, and other criminal groups threatening Nigeria’s peace and security.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities professionally, in accordance with the rules of engagement and with full respect for human rights.
The Army Chief also announced the commencement of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which is themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
As part of the celebration, special Juma’at prayers will be held on Friday, June 26, across all Nigerian Army formations and units nationwide, while interdenominational church services are scheduled for Sunday, June 28.
On Friday, July 3, public speaking engagements will be organised in secondary schools across the country to educate students on the role and contributions of the Nigerian Army to national development.
Activities on Saturday, July 4, will include the Nigerian Army Day Celebration Lecture in Port Harcourt, alongside the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony. The day will also feature an interactive session between the Chief of Army Staff and media executives, as well as the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Charity Outreach Programme.
On Sunday, July 5, the Army will conduct a medical outreach programme offering free medical diagnosis and treatment to residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas. Several Civil-Military Cooperation projects will also be commissioned.
The week-long celebration will climax on Monday, July 6, with a grand finale featuring a ceremonial parade, presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military equipment displays, and a research and development exhibition.
The grand finale will also coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.”
The forum is expected to bring together chiefs of African armies, senior military officers, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders, and security experts. It will feature an international defence exhibition showcasing the latest military technologies, combat platforms, and innovations, while providing an avenue for strategic dialogue, regional cooperation, and the exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening defence and security across the African continent.
The Nigerian Army concluded by appealing to citizens to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective effort to restore lasting peace and security, stressing that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity, patriotism, and sustained public cooperation.