The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and intensify the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced the expansion on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of 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 drive followed the establishment of a new recruit training depot at Amasiri Edda, increasing the number of the Army’s training institutions to three.
According to Shaibu, the additional training facility will significantly boost the Army’s manpower capacity, enabling it to recruit and train 28,000 more personnel to support ongoing military operations nationwide.
“Manpower is as important as the equipment required to fight insecurity. To this end, we have expanded our recruitment capacity by establishing another training depot at Amasiri Edda,” he said.
“With this development, the Nigerian Army is expected to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops to help stem the tide of insecurity across the country.”
The Army Chief also disclosed that new brigades and operational units had been established to improve troop deployment and close existing operational gaps.
He said the Army continues to review its force structure to respond effectively to evolving security challenges.
“Accordingly, the Nigerian Army has established additional brigades and units to boost operations, while continuously reviewing its force structure to cover identified gaps and address evolving security challenges nationwide,” he stated.
Shaibu noted that the Army had enhanced its combat effectiveness through the acquisition of modern military platforms, operational equipment and strategic partnerships, while also investing in personnel welfare, infrastructure development and recognition of gallantry.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, he said the Army had recorded measurable progress in operational effectiveness, manpower development, professionalism, infrastructure and civil-military relations.
He explained that his command philosophy is centred 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, the strategy is anchored on a “Soldier-First” approach that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a critical factor in achieving operational success.
Shaibu added that the Army is also deploying modern technology to enhance operational efficiency and improve responses to criminal activities across the country.
“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 said.
The COAS reaffirmed that troops remain actively engaged in operations nationwide, noting that sustained military offensives have significantly weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to perform its constitutional responsibilities professionally while adhering to the rules of engagement and respecting human rights.
Shaibu also announced the commencement of activities for 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 tackling insecurity, stressing that collective efforts remain essential to achieving lasting peace.
“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.
Giving a breakdown of activities lined up for the celebration, Shaibu said Juma’at prayers would be held across Army formations on June 26, followed by interdenominational church services on June 28.
Other events include public speaking engagements in secondary schools on July 3; the NADCEL Lecture; the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition Award Ceremony; a media interaction session; and a charity outreach programme by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association on July 4 in Port Harcourt.
A free medical outreach for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas, alongside the commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects, is scheduled for July 5.
The week-long celebration will conclude on July 6 with a ceremonial parade, presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, a military equipment exhibition and a research and development showcase.
The grand finale will also coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts”, which is expected to attract African army chiefs, senior military officers, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders and security experts.
