The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of renewed efforts to strengthen its manpower and intensify operations against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing to kick off activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, the army chief said the expansion became possible following the establishment of a new recruit training depot at Amasiri Edda, now the third facility dedicated to training soldiers for the service.
According to Shaibu, increasing personnel strength is essential to complement military hardware in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
He said the additional training institution would enable the Army to recruit and prepare 28,000 more personnel to reinforce ongoing security operations nationwide.
The COAS also revealed that the Army had created new brigades and operational units while reviewing its force structure to address deployment gaps and improve responses to emerging security challenges.
He added that the service had continued to enhance its combat effectiveness through the acquisition of modern military platforms, force multipliers and strategic partnerships, alongside sustained investments in infrastructure and personnel welfare.
Shaibu said his administration, seven months into office, had made notable progress in operational efficiency, manpower development, professionalism, civil-military relations and infrastructure.
He explained that his command philosophy is focused on building a more professional, adaptable, resilient and combat-ready force capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency security framework.
The army chief noted that the philosophy is anchored on a “Soldier-First” approach, which prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a key factor in achieving operational success.
He added that the Army was also deploying modern technology to improve operational effectiveness and accelerate efforts to combat criminal activities across the country.
Shaibu maintained that troops remained actively engaged in various theatres of operation and had continued to record significant successes against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to carry out its constitutional duties professionally while adhering strictly to the rules of engagement and respecting 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 restore peace and strengthen national security.
“This Army belongs to all Nigerians. We urge citizens to continue demonstrating patriotism and supporting the Armed Forces in the interest of peace, unity and national development,” he said.
Shaibu outlined a week-long line-up of activities for the celebration, beginning with Juma’at prayers across Army formations on Friday, June 26, followed by interdenominational church services on Sunday, June 28.
He said public speaking engagements would be held in secondary schools on July 3 to educate students on the role of the Nigerian Army, while Port Harcourt would host the Nigerian Army Day Celebration lecture, the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony, media interaction and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach on July 4.
According to him, a medical outreach programme offering free healthcare services to residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and the commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects will take place on July 5.
The celebration will climax on July 6 with a ceremonial parade, presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military equipment exhibition and research and development displays.
Shaibu added that the grand finale would coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed, “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts,” bringing together African army chiefs, defence experts, policymakers and industry stakeholders to promote regional collaboration and showcase the latest innovations in defence technology.