The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train 28,000 additional soldiers as part of efforts to expand its operational strength and confront deep-seated national security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plan, (Army), Maj Gen. Bamidele Alabi, said the recruitment drive followed the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which has become the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army. He said, “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 added.
The army chief said the service had also established additional brigades and units while reviewing its force structure to address deployment gaps and respond more effectively 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 to address emerging security challenges across the country,” he said.
As part of ongoing reforms, Shaibu said the Army has inducted modern combat equipment, strengthened strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure nationwide, and prioritised troop welfare under its “Soldier First” policy.
He said the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, with the theme “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”, places a strong emphasis on National Security, Civil Military Cooperation, technological advancement and regional Defence Collaboration “The week-long event will provide an opportunity for the Army to assess its operational performance, celebrate achievements, and further project the military as a key instrument of national unity, integration, and development,” he said.
Noting that the Nigerian Army has continued to modernise its operations while confronting major security threats across the country, he said the threats include activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits, separatist groups, and other non-state actors threatening national stability. He added that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Army has remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
Reflecting on the institution’s history, he said the Army traces its origin to 1863, when a small indigenous force known as Glover Hausas was established, eventually evolving into what is today known as the Nigerian Army.
Activities for the celebration officially began on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Juma’at prayers across Army formations nationwide. On Friday, July 3, the Army will organise public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country.
Activities scheduled for Saturday, July 4, include the Nigerian Army Day Celebration Lecture, an award ceremony for the Chief of Army Staff, interaction with media, and a charity outreach programme by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in Port Harcourt.
On Sunday, July 5, the Army will conduct free medical outreach programmes for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt, alongside the commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in neighbouring communities.
The celebration will culminate on Monday, July 6, with a grand military parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards.
A major highlight of this year’s event will be the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts.” The international defence forum, organised by Great Minds Event Limited, will bring together African army chiefs, senior military leaders, policy makers, defence industry representatives, and security experts to strengthen cooperation and discuss emerging defence innovations. An international defence exhibition will also showcase advanced military technologies and combat platforms for possible procurement by participating countries.
The Army expressed confidence that this year’s celebration will promote innovation, strengthen regional and global partnerships, and improve strategic collaboration on defence and security matters across Africa.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, the Army urged the media to continue reporting responsibly, promote national unity, and support ongoing security operations. “The Nigerian 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.”
