Why Nigerian Army is recruiting 28,000 new soldiers

The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of a major strategy to strengthen its manpower and enhance ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), saying the expansion followed the establishment of a new military training depot at Amasiri Edda.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief explained that the new facility has become the third recruitment and training institution of the Nigerian Army, significantly increasing its capacity to produce trained personnel.

According to him, the recruitment exercise is aimed at addressing manpower gaps and strengthening the Army’s operational capability in the face of evolving security challenges across the country.

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“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 said.

Shaibu stated that the Army has also established additional brigades and operational units while reviewing its force structure to improve deployments and ensure faster responses to emerging security threats nationwide.

He noted that beyond manpower expansion, the Army has continued to strengthen its operational effectiveness through the acquisition of modern military platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.

The Army Chief said his administration has equally prioritised personnel welfare through the institutionalisation of gallantry awards, improved welfare packages and massive infrastructure development across military formations.

Speaking on his command philosophy, Shaibu said his vision is to transform 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.”

He added that the Army’s “Soldier-First” policy places the welfare of personnel and their families at the centre 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 added.

The Army Chief maintained that troops remain actively engaged in operations across Nigeria and have continued to record significant successes against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He assured Nigerians that military operations would continue to be conducted professionally, in accordance with the rules of engagement and with full respect for human rights.

Shaibu also announced activities lined up for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

According to him, the celebration began on Friday, June 26, with Juma’at prayers across Army formations, while interdenominational church services will hold on Sunday, June 28.

Other activities include public speaking engagements in secondary schools nationwide on July 3, the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition Award Ceremony and NADCEL Lecture in Port Harcourt on July 4, media interaction and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach.

On July 5, the Army will conduct free medical outreach programmes and commission several Civil-Military Cooperation projects in selected communities around Port Harcourt.

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

The grand finale will also coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts,” expected to bring together Army Chiefs, senior military officers, policymakers, defence industry experts and security stakeholders from across the continent.

Shaibu appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective effort to tackle insecurity.

“The Nigerian Army belongs to all Nigerians. We urge citizens to continue supporting our efforts and demonstrate patriotism and commitment towards building a peaceful, secure and united nation,” he reiterated.