Army to Recruit 28,000 Additional Soldiers, Opens New Training Depot to Tackle Insecurity
The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of renewed efforts to strengthen its manpower and intensify operations against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief said the recruitment expansion followed the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri, Edda, which has become the Army’s third recruit training institution.
According to him, the new facility will significantly increase the Army’s capacity to train new personnel and reinforce ongoing military operations nationwide.
“Manpower is as important as the equipment required to fight insecurity. To this end, we have expanded our recruitment scope by establishing another training depot at Amasiri Edda, making it the third institution to train able-bodied civilians for the Nigerian Army, thereby enhancing our manpower.
“With this action, the Nigerian Army is expected to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops to help stem the tide of insecurity across the country,” he said.
Shaibu also revealed that the Army had established additional brigades and units while reviewing its force structure to bridge deployment gaps and improve its response to emerging security threats.
“Accordingly, the Nigerian Army has established additional brigades and units to boost our operations while continuously reviewing our force structure to address observed gaps in our deployments and respond effectively to emerging security challenges across the country,” he said.
He noted that the Army had continued to strengthen its operational capability through the acquisition of modern combat platforms, force multipliers and strategic partnerships. He added that measures had also been institutionalised to recognise gallantry, improve personnel welfare and undertake extensive infrastructure development across Army formations nationwide.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, the COAS said the Nigerian Army had recorded significant progress in operational effectiveness, manpower development, professionalism, infrastructure renewal and civil-military relations.
He explained that his command philosophy is anchored on transforming the Nigerian Army into “a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
According to him, this vision is being driven by a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a critical factor in achieving operational success.
“We are also improving our deployment strategies and employing modern technology as a force multiplier in our efforts to quickly degrade all forms of criminality across the country,” he added.
The Army Chief reiterated that troops remain actively engaged in military operations across the country, noting that their efforts have significantly degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements threatening national security.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities professionally, in line with the rules of engagement and with full respect for human rights.
Shaibu also announced the commencement of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
He appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective fight against insecurity.
“I urge all Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian Army. This Army belongs to you; it is your Army. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development,” he said.
Outlining the programme of events, he said Juma’at prayers would be held on Friday, June 26, across all Nigerian Army formations and units to formally kick-start the celebration, while interdenominational church services would take place on Sunday, June 28.
He added that public speaking engagements would be organised in secondary schools nationwide on Friday, July 3, to educate students on the role of the Nigerian Army.
On Saturday, July 4, Port Harcourt will host the NADCEL Lecture and the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition Award Ceremony. The day’s events will also feature an interactive session between the COAS and media executives, as well as the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Charity Outreach Programme.
On July 5, the Army will conduct a free medical outreach for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and its environs. The programme will provide medical consultations, diagnosis and treatment, while several Civil-Military Cooperation projects will also be commissioned.
The week-long celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand finale featuring a ceremonial parade, presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military equipment display and a research and development exhibition.
The grand finale will coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.”
According to the Army Chief, the forum will bring together Chiefs of Army from across Africa, senior military officers, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders and security experts.
It will also feature an international defence exhibition showcasing the latest military innovations and combat enablers, with the aim of fostering regional cooperation, strategic dialogue and the exchange of ideas on defence and security across the continent.