The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its manpower and intensify operations against insecurity across the country.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this 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, Shaibu said the recruitment expansion follows the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which becomes the Army’s third recruit training institution.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Shaibu said the Army has also established additional brigades and units while reviewing its force structure to address deployment gaps and respond more effectively 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 cover observed gaps in our deployments and address emerging security challenges across the country,” he added.
The Army chief said the service has continued to strengthen its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships. He added that measures had also been institutionalised to recognise gallantry, improve personnel welfare and upgrade infrastructure across military formations nationwide.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, Shaibu said the Army had recorded significant progress in operational effectiveness, manpower development, infrastructure, professionalism and civil-military relations.
He noted that his command philosophy is focused 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 vision is driven by a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a key factor in 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 said.
Shaibu reaffirmed that troops remain actively engaged in operations nationwide and have continued to degrade Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other criminal groups threatening national security.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities in line with the rules of engagement while upholding respect for human rights.
The COAS also announced that activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration have commenced under the theme: “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.
Shaibu outlined activities lined up for the week-long celebration, beginning with Juma’at prayers across Army formations and units on Friday, June 26, followed by interdenominational church services on Sunday, June 28.
Other events include public speaking engagements in secondary schools on July 3 to educate students on the role of the Nigerian Army; the NADCEL Lecture and Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony in Port Harcourt on July 4; and an interaction with media executives alongside the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach.
On July 5, the Army will conduct free medical outreach programmes for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and commission several Civil-Military Cooperation projects.
The celebration will culminate on July 6 with 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.”
According to Shaibu, the forum will bring together African army chiefs, senior military leaders, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders and security experts to promote regional cooperation, strategic dialogue and the exchange of ideas on defence and security across the continent. It will also feature an international defence exhibition showcasing the latest military technologies and combat enablers.
