Insecurity: Army to recruit additional 28,000 soldiers — COAS Shaibu

The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit and train 28,000 more soldiers as part of measures aimed at strengthening its manpower and intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing held ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

Shaibu, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plan (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, said the decision followed the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri Edda, which has become the third centre dedicated to training recruits for the Army.

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, thereby enhancing our manpower.

“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 had taken further steps to improve its operational reach through the creation of additional brigades and units, while continuously reassessing its force structure to address deployment shortfalls and emerging security concerns.

“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 said.

Shaibu stated that the Army had continued to enhance its combat effectiveness through the acquisition of modern platforms, operational support assets and strategic collaborations.

He added that efforts had also been directed towards rewarding acts of bravery, improving the welfare of personnel and undertaking extensive infrastructure development projects across military formations nationwide.

Reviewing developments since he assumed office seven months ago, the COAS said the Army had achieved notable progress in operational activities, infrastructure expansion, manpower growth, professionalism and civil-military relations.

He noted that his leadership 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.”

According to him, the vision is driven by a “Soldier-First” approach that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a critical factor in achieving operational success.

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“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 reaffirmed that troops remained actively involved in operations across various parts of the country, noting that their actions had considerably weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other criminal elements.

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

The COAS also announced the commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

He called on Nigerians to sustain their support for the military and other security agencies in the collective fight against insecurity.

“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.”