The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of a strategic effort to boost the Nigerian Army’s manpower and enhance its operational capacity in tackling terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges across the country.
Announcing the initiative on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), Lt.-Gen. Shaibu emphasized that the recruitment drive reflects the Army’s renewed commitment to safeguarding national security and ensuring peace and stability.
He noted that the expanded manpower will not only strengthen ongoing military operations but also improve the Army’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats, reinforce territorial defense, and provide greater support to civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
According to the Army Chief, the recruitment process will be transparent, merit-driven, and aligned with the Army’s standards of discipline and professionalism, ensuring that only qualified and dedicated individuals are enlisted. He further assured Nigerians that the initiative is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at modernizing the Army, improving welfare, and building a force that is resilient, adaptive, and future-ready.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, Shaibu said the recruitment drive was made possible by the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, bringing the number of recruit-training institutions in the Nigerian Army to three.
“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.
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,” he said.
The COAS said the Army had also established additional brigades and units while continuously reviewing its force structure to address deployment gaps and respond effectively to emerging security threats.
“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 added.
The COAS noted that the Army had strengthened its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve personnel welfare, reward gallantry and upgrade infrastructure across formations nationwide.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, the Army Chief said significant progress had been recorded in operations, manpower development, infrastructure, professionalism and civil-military relations.
He said 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, this 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.
The Army Chief reaffirmed that troops remain actively engaged in operations nationwide, noting that sustained 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 carry out its constitutional responsibilities in line with the rules of engagement and respect for 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 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.
Providing details of the programme, he said Juma’at prayers would be held across Army formations and units nationwide on June 26, while interdenominational church services are scheduled for June 28.
Other activities 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 medical outreach programme offering free diagnosis and treatment to residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and its environs will take place on July 5, alongside the commissioning of several civil-military cooperation projects.
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, a 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 Defence, United Efforts.”
According to the Army Chief, the forum will bring together African army chiefs, 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, aimed at promoting regional cooperation, strategic dialogue and the exchange of ideas on defence and security across Africa.
