Nigerian Army to recruit 28,000 soldiers to strengthen fight against insecurity

In a bid to strengthen the fight against insecurity across the country, the Nigerian Army has disclosed plans to recruit and train a total of 28,000 soldiers, following the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which has become the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army.

Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, stated this during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

According to Shaibu, who is represented by Bamidele Alabi, Chief of Policy and Plan (Army), the Army had continued to strengthen its operational capability through the induction of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.

He said that 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.

“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.

“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

Shaibu also explained that the military had institutionalised measures to recognise gallantry, improve personnel welfare and embark on massive infrastructure upgrades across formations nationwide.

He noted that the Army had recorded significant progress in operations, infrastructure, manpower development, professionalism and civil-military relations.

Shaibu disclosed that his command philosophy is anchored 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. For him, the vision is supported by a “Soldier-First” culture that places priority on the welfare of personnel and their families as a key driver of operational success.

“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 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.

Among activities to mark the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”, the Juma’at prayers would be held in all Nigerian Army formations and units nationwide to formally commence the celebration on Friday, June 26, 2026

Similarly, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, an interdenominational church services across all Army formations and units, while on Friday, July 3, 2026, there would be public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country to engage students on the role of the Nigerian Army.

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Port Harcourt, NADCEL Lecture. Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony.

He said the Nigerian Army will conduct a medical outreach programme during which residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and its environs will receive free medical diagnosis and treatment on 5 July. Also, the Army is expected to commission several Civil-Military Cooperation.

The week-long celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand finale featuring a ceremonial parade, the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, a military equipment display and a research and development exhibition.

Army chief said the grand finale will be held alongside the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed” Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts.”