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

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief said the recruitment expansion was made possible by the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, bringing the number of recruit training institutions in the Nigerian Army to three.

According to him, manpower remains a critical component of military operations, alongside modern equipment and technology.

“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 said.

The COAS explained that beyond increasing personnel strength, the Army has continued to restructure its force by creating additional brigades and operational units to address identified deployment gaps and respond more effectively to emerging security threats nationwide.

He noted that the Army is constantly reviewing its force structure to ensure troops are strategically positioned to tackle evolving security challenges across different theatres of operation.

Shaibu further stated that the service has continued to improve its operational capability through the acquisition and induction of modern military platforms, combat enablers and enhanced strategic partnerships aimed at improving operational effectiveness.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost personnel welfare through the institutionalisation of gallantry awards, improved welfare packages and extensive infrastructure development across military formations nationwide.

Reflecting on his seven months in office, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army had recorded notable achievements in operational effectiveness, infrastructure development, manpower expansion, professionalism and civil-military relations.

According to him, his leadership is guided by a command philosophy 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.”

He said the philosophy is anchored on a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families, stressing that motivated troops remain the foundation of operational success.

The COAS also disclosed that the Army is improving deployment strategies while leveraging modern technology as a force multiplier to degrade criminal elements more effectively across the country.

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

Speaking on the forthcoming 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu announced that activities have commenced under the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective fight against insecurity.

“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 appealed.

The week-long celebration will begin on Friday, June 26, with special Juma’at prayers across all Nigerian Army formations and units nationwide.

Interdenominational church services will follow on Sunday, June 28, while public speaking engagements will be held in secondary schools across the country on Friday, July 3, to educate students on the roles and responsibilities of the Nigerian Army.

Activities scheduled for Saturday, July 4, in Port Harcourt include the NADCEL Lecture, the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition award ceremony, an interactive session between the COAS and media executives, as well as a charity outreach programme organised by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA).

On July 5, the Army will conduct free medical outreach programmes for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas, alongside the commissioning of several Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects.

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

The grand finale will also coincide with the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts.”

According to the Army Chief, the forum will bring together Chiefs of Army from across Africa, senior military commanders, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders and security experts to discuss emerging security challenges, strengthen regional cooperation and showcase the latest military technologies and combat innovations through an international defence exhibition.