The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of measures to strengthen its operational capacity and intensify the fight against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi.
Shaibu said the recruitment exercise was made possible by the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which now serves as the Army’s third recruit training institution.
According to him, the expansion of training facilities will significantly increase the Army’s manpower and improve its ability to respond to the nation’s evolving security challenges.
He added that the service had also reviewed its force structure and established additional brigades and operational units to address deployment gaps and improve efficiency in ongoing military operations nationwide.
The Army chief said the military had continued to enhance its combat effectiveness through the acquisition of modern equipment, improved operational platforms and strategic partnerships, while also prioritising personnel welfare, recognising gallantry and upgrading infrastructure across formations.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, Shaibu said the Army had recorded notable progress in operational performance, manpower development, professionalism, infrastructure and civil-military relations. He added that his command philosophy was focused on building a professional, combat-ready and resilient force anchored on a "Soldier-First" approach that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families.
He reaffirmed that troops remained actively engaged in counter-insurgency and other internal security operations, stressing that sustained offensives had weakened terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements. 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, noting that the week-long event would conclude on July 6 with a ceremonial parade, awards presentation, military equipment exhibition and the African Land Forces Forum 2026.
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