The Nigerian Army has unveiled 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.
The Chief of Army Staff, 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, the army chief said the recruitment expansion followed the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri Edda, bringing the number of recruit training institutions in the Army to three.
“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 also revealed that the Army had established additional brigades and units while reviewing its force structure to address deployment gaps and improve responses 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 said.
The COAS said the Army had continued to strengthen its operational capability through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.
He added that the service had also prioritised personnel welfare by institutionalising measures to recognise gallantry and undertaking extensive infrastructure development across formations nationwide.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, Shaibu said the Army had made significant progress in operational effectiveness, infrastructure, manpower development, professionalism and civil-military relations.
According to him, 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.”
He noted that the vision is driven by a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a key 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 maintained that troops remained actively engaged in operations nationwide, saying their efforts had significantly weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements 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 respecting human rights.
Shaibu also announced that activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration had commenced under the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in tackling 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.
Highlighting activities lined up for the celebration, the Army chief said Juma’at prayers would be held across all Army formations and units on Friday, June 26, while interdenominational church services would take place on Sunday, June 28.
He added that public speaking engagements in secondary schools nationwide would be held on July 3 to educate students on the role of the Nigerian Army.
On July 4, Port Harcourt will host the NADCEL Lecture, the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony, an interaction with media executives and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach.
The programme will continue on July 5 with a medical outreach offering free healthcare services to residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and 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, military equipment displays and a research and development exhibition.
Shaibu said the event would also coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.”
According to him, the forum will bring together African army chiefs, senior military officers, 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.