Nigerian Army To Recruit 28,000 Soldiers

Beyond recruitment, Shaibu noted that the Army has undertaken structural reforms, including the creation of additional brigades and units to address operational gaps

KaNo —

The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers in a major push to strengthen its manpower and intensify operations against the country’s worsening security challenges.

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing marking the commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Bamidele Alabi, the army chief said the recruitment initiative reflects the military’s renewed strategy to expand capacity and respond more effectively to emerging threats nationwide.

Shaibu explained that the decision followed the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which has now become the third major facility dedicated to training recruits for the Army.

According to him, the additional institution is expected to significantly boost the service’s manpower base.

“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,” he 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,” he added.

Nigeria has been grappling with multiple security threats in recent years, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, kidnapping across several regions, and separatist agitations in the South-East.

The Army’s latest move signals a significant escalation in efforts to contain these challenges.

Beyond recruitment, Shaibu noted that the Army has undertaken structural reforms, including the creation of additional brigades and units to address operational gaps.

He said the force is also continuously reviewing its deployment strategy to ensure more efficient coverage of vulnerable areas.

“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 stated.

The Army chief further highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern platforms and combat enablers, as well as strategic collaborations with partners.

He added that the service has also prioritized personnel welfare, introducing measures to recognise gallantry, improve living conditions, and upgrade infrastructure across military formations.

Speaking on his leadership since assuming office seven months ago, Shaibu said the Army has recorded notable progress in key areas such as operations, manpower development, professionalism, infrastructure, and civil-military relations.

He explained that his command philosophy is focused 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.”

Central to this vision, he said, is a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a critical factor in achieving 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 said.

Shaibu reiterated that troops remain actively engaged in operations nationwide, noting that their efforts have significantly weakened insurgent and criminal networks, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as bandits, kidnappers, and separatist elements.

He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to carry out its duties in line with constitutional provisions, rules of engagement, and respect for human rights.

As part of activities marking the 2026 NADCEL, the Army announced a week-long lineup of events aimed at engaging the public and showcasing its achievements.

The celebration commenced on Friday, June 26, with Juma’at prayers held across all formations and units nationwide. This will be followed by interdenominational church services on Sunday, June 28.

On July 3, the Army will organise public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country to educate students on its role and foster greater civil-military understanding.

The programme will move to Port Harcourt on July 4, where the NADCEL Lecture and the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony will take place. The day’s events will also feature an interaction with media executives and a charity outreach programme by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association.

On July 5, residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas will benefit from a medical outreach programme offering free diagnosis and treatment. The Army will also commission several civil-military cooperation projects.

The celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand finale that includes a ceremonial parade, presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, military equipment displays, and a research and development exhibition.

This year’s grand finale will also coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Effort.” The forum is expected to bring together army chiefs, senior military leaders, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders, and security experts from across the continent.

According to Shaibu, the forum will feature an international defence exhibition showcasing the latest military innovations and is expected to foster regional cooperation, strategic dialogue, and knowledge exchange on security challenges facing Africa.

He called on Nigerians to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.

“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.

However, security experts have continued to raise concerns about the scale and persistence of insecurity in Nigeria. A security analyst, Lekan Jackson-Ojo, described the current situation as unprecedented in the nation’s history.

“This is the highest level of insecurity in the military and political history of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive and sustained interventions.

The Army’s planned recruitment of 28,000 soldiers is widely seen as a bold step, but analysts note that addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges will require not only increased manpower but also improved intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and socio-economic reforms.

As the Nigerian Army prepares to mark its annual celebration, the spotlight remains firmly on its ability to translate these reforms and expansions into tangible improvements in national security.