The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to boost its manpower and strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plan, (Army), Maj Gen. Bamidele Alabi, Shaibu said the recruitment drive followed the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which has become the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army.
He said, “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 added.
The army chief said the service had 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 to address emerging security challenges across the country,” he said.
He added that the Army had continued to strengthen its operational capability through the induction of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.
He said the military had also institutionalised measures to recognise gallantry, improve personnel welfare and embark on massive infrastructure upgrades across formations nationwide.
Speaking on his administration’s priorities since assuming office seven months ago, the COAS said the Army had recorded significant progress in operations, infrastructure, manpower development, professionalism and civil-military relations.
He noted 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, the vision is supported by a “Soldier-First” culture that places priority on the welfare of personnel and their families as a key driver of 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.
He reiterated that Nigerian troops remained actively engaged in operations nationwide, saying their efforts had significantly degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other criminal groups threatening national security.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities in line with the rules of engagement and with respect for human rights.
The Army chief also announced that activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration had commenced, with this year’s theme titled, “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 effort to address 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.
Announcing the activities lined up for the event, he said on Friday, June 26, 2026 Juma’at prayers would be held in all Nigerian Army formations and units nationwide to formally commence the celebration.
Similarly on Sunday, June 28, 2026, an interdenominational church services across all Army formations and units, while on Friday, July 3, 2026 there would be public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country to engage students on the role of the Nigerian Army.
On Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Port Harcourt NADCEL Lecture. Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony.
The programme for July 4 will also feature the Chief of Army Staff’s interaction with media executives, alongside the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Charity Outreach Programme in Port Harcourt.
On July 5, the Nigerian Army will conduct a medical outreach programme during which residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and its environs will receive free medical diagnosis and treatment. The Army will also commission several Civil-Military Cooperation.
The week-long celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand finale featuring a ceremonial parade, the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, a military equipment display and a research and development exhibition.
The Army chief said the grand finale will be held alongside the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed ,”Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.”
According to him, the forum will bring together chiefs of African armies, senior military leaders, policymakers, defence industry representatives and security experts. It will also feature an international defence exhibition showcasing the latest military innovations and combat enablers, with the event expected to foster regional cooperation, strategic dialogue and the exchange of ideas on defence and security across Africa.
