ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers following the establishment of a new training depot, as part of a major expansion aimed at strengthening its manpower and intensifying operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced the initiative on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing to herald 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 newly established training depot at Amasiri Edda has become the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the expansion is designed to significantly increase the Army’s manpower capacity to confront the country’s evolving security challenges.
“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 said.
Shaibu disclosed that the Army has also established additional brigades and operational units while reviewing its force structure to close deployment gaps and improve responses to emerging security threats.
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“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.
The Army chief added that the service had continued to strengthen its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern military platforms, combat support equipment and strategic partnerships.
He noted that the Army had also institutionalised measures to reward gallantry, improve personnel welfare and undertake extensive infrastructure development across formations nationwide.
Reviewing his first seven months in office, Shaibu said his administration had recorded notable progress in military operations, manpower development, infrastructure, 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 explained that the vision is anchored on a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families as a key driver of operational effectiveness.
“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.
Shaibu reiterated that troops remained actively engaged in military operations nationwide, saying their sustained offensives had significantly weakened 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 professionally, in line with the rules of engagement and with full respect for human rights.
The Army chief also announced that activities marking 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 appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective effort to restore peace across the country.
“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.
Outlining activities lined up for the celebration, Shaibu said Juma’at prayers would be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, across all Nigerian Army formations and units to formally kick-start the event.
He added that interdenominational church services would hold on Sunday, June 28, while public speaking engagements would be organised in secondary schools nationwide on Friday, July 3, to educate students on the role of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, activities scheduled for Saturday, July 4, in Port Harcourt include the NADCEL Lecture, the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition Award Ceremony, an interaction between the Army chief and media executives, as well as the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Charity Outreach Programme.
On July 5, the Army will organise a medical outreach programme, offering free medical diagnosis and treatment to residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas. Several Civil-Military Cooperation projects will also be commissioned.
The week-long celebration will climax 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.
Shaibu said the grand finale would coincide with 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 commanders, policymakers, defence industry representatives and security experts.
He added that the gathering would also feature an international defence exhibition showcasing cutting-edge military technologies and combat enablers, while promoting regional cooperation, strategic dialogue and the exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening defence and security across Africa.