The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to boost manpower and strengthen ongoing operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this in Abuja during a briefing on activities lined up for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The Army Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the expansion in recruitment capacity followed the establishment of a new recruit training depot at Amasiri Edda.
According to him, the new facility increases the number of Nigerian Army recruit training institutions to three.
New training depot boosts recruitment
Shaibu stressed that adequate manpower remains critical to the military’s ability to combat insecurity.
He said the Army had expanded its recruitment capacity by establishing the new training depot, which would enable it to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers.
According to the COAS, the fresh intake is expected to strengthen ongoing military operations and help stem the tide of insecurity across the country.
He added that the Army has also established additional brigades and operational units while continuously reviewing its force structure to close deployment gaps and respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
The Army Chief explained that the reforms are designed to improve operational effectiveness and ensure troops are adequately deployed to areas facing security threats.
Army strengthens operational capacity
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army has significantly improved its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern military platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements the freedom to operate anywhere in the country.
According to him, peace and security remain essential for economic growth, national development and social stability.
The Army Chief also disclosed that the service is implementing measures to improve the welfare of personnel, reward acts of gallantry and upgrade infrastructure across formations nationwide.
He noted that better welfare for officers and soldiers remains central to achieving operational success.
Seven months of reforms
Reflecting on his seven months in office, Shaibu said the Army has recorded significant progress in several key areas, including military 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 effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency operational environment.
According to him, the vision is anchored on a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of military personnel and their families.
He added that the Army is also improving its deployment strategies while adopting modern technology as a force multiplier to degrade criminal networks more effectively.
Troops remain active nationwide
The COAS said Nigerian troops remain actively engaged in various theatres of operation across the country.
He stated that sustained military offensives have continued to weaken Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other criminal groups threatening national security.
Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities professionally while observing the rules of engagement and respecting human rights.
He also appealed to citizens to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective effort to restore lasting peace across the country.
According to him, national security requires cooperation between security agencies and the public.
Army Day celebration begins
The Army Chief also announced the commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration with the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
He said the celebration would begin with Juma’at prayers 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, the Nigerian Army Day lecture, the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition Award Ceremony, media interaction sessions and a charity outreach programme by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association in Port Harcourt.
The programme will also feature free medical outreach services for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and the commissioning of several civil-military cooperation projects.
Grand finale to feature defence forum
Shaibu said the week-long celebration will culminate on July 6 with a ceremonial parade, presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military equipment displays 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 him, the forum will bring together African army chiefs, senior military officers, policymakers, defence industry representatives and security experts to discuss regional security challenges and strengthen military cooperation across the continent.
The event will also feature an international defence exhibition showcasing the latest military technologies and combat equipment aimed at promoting innovation, strategic dialogue and enhanced collaboration among African armed forces.