The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 personnel as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and intensify the fight against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed the plan on Friday during a press conference to herald the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026). He said the Army was expanding its force structure, improving deployment strategies, and adopting modern technology to tackle emerging security threats.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS said the Army remained committed to denying criminal and insurgent groups freedom of operation while ensuring that military operations comply with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, and constitutional provisions on human rights.
According to Shaibu, manpower remains a critical component of the Army’s operational effectiveness, prompting the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which becomes the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army.
“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 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.”
“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 has also established additional brigades and operational units while continually reviewing its force structure to address identified operational gaps and improve responses to evolving security challenges nationwide.
He noted that the Army has strengthened its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern combat platforms, the deployment of advanced force multipliers, and strategic partnerships.
Shaibu further disclosed that the Army has institutionalised measures to recognise acts of gallantry and honour fallen personnel, while embarking on extensive infrastructure development across its formations and units.
He emphasised that personnel welfare remains a key priority under his leadership through the implementation of a “Soldier-First” policy aimed at improving the well-being of officers, soldiers, and their families as a foundation for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to the protection of human rights, the COAS said troops would continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities in line with domestic and international legal frameworks governing armed conflict.
“Accordingly, we shall continue to discharge our constitutional duties in tandem with the rules of engagement, with respect for all aspects of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as other international principles and guidelines,” he said.
Shaibu maintained that despite Nigeria’s complex and evolving security environment, the Nigerian Army has remained resolute in fulfilling its constitutional mandate while modernising its capabilities to confront emerging threats.
He noted that troops are currently engaged in multiple operations across the country, where they continue to combat Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups, and other non-state actors threatening national peace and security.
The 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration is expected to highlight the Army’s operational achievements, honour fallen heroes, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
