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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army said it has concluded plans to recruit and train additional 28,000 soldiers to boost its manpower and strengthen the ongoing war against terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the country.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known at a briefing on the activities lined up for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), in Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS, 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.
He said “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 also said that the Service 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,”
Gen Shaibu noted that the Army had strengthened its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.
The COAS reaffirmed the commitment of the Service to denying criminal and subversive elements the freedom to operate, stressing that sustained peace and security remain essential to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve personnel welfare, reward gallantry and upgrade infrastructure across formations nationwide.
While 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.
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“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 COAS reaffirmed that troops remained 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.
The COAS 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.
Speaking on the programs of activities lined celebration, 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.
According to him, 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 would rounded off 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.
