The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its manpower and enhance ongoing operations against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, the COAS said the expansion follows the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, bringing the number of Army recruit training institutions to three.
“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,” Shaibu said.
“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.”
The Army also disclosed that it has established additional brigades and units while reviewing its force structure to close deployment gaps and respond more effectively to emerging security challenges nationwide.
According to the COAS, the Army has continued to strengthen its operational capability through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships. He added that the service has institutionalised measures to recognise gallantry, improve personnel welfare and undertake extensive infrastructure development across formations.
He also highlighted efforts to improve deployment strategies and deploy modern technology as a force multiplier in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence and other forms of criminality.
Shaibu reassured Nigerians that troops remain actively engaged in operations nationwide while adhering to the rules of engagement and respecting human rights.
