The Nigerian Army has concluded plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 personnel as part of efforts to boost its operational strength and intensify the fight against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday at a press conference ahead of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), where he also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to denying criminal and subversive elements the freedom to operate while upholding human rights and the rule of law.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS said the expansion of the Army’s recruitment drive followed the establishment of a third training depot at Amasiri Edda, which would significantly increase the Service’s manpower.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the additional training facility will enable the Army to recruit and train 28,000 more troops, while newly established brigades and units, alongside a continuous review of force structure, will improve deployment and address emerging security threats nationwide.
The Army Chief said the Service was also enhancing its operational capability through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships, while improving deployment strategies and leveraging technology as a force multiplier against criminal elements.
He added that the Army had institutionalised measures to honour gallant personnel and commenced extensive infrastructure upgrades across formations and units nationwide as part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness and troop welfare.
Describing personnel welfare as central to his command philosophy, the COAS said the Army’s “Soldier-First” culture places the well-being of soldiers and their families at the heart of operational success.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to professionalism, he said all operations would continue to be conducted in strict compliance with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, the Nigerian Constitution and other relevant legal frameworks protecting human rights.
Despite Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, the COAS said the Army had remained steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities and continued to modernise its capabilities to confront emerging threats.
He noted that troops are currently engaged in multiple operations across the country, recording significant successes against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other non-state actors threatening national peace and stability.
