The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of a major effort to boost its manpower and intensify operations against insecurity across the country.
The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief said the expansion became possible following the establishment of a new recruit training depot in Amasiri Edda, bringing the number of recruit training institutions to three.
According to him, increasing personnel strength is essential to effectively tackle the country’s security challenges. The new training facility will significantly enhance the Army’s capacity to prepare able-bodied recruits for military service, ultimately reinforcing ongoing operations nationwide.
Beyond the recruitment drive, the Army disclosed that it has established additional brigades and operational units while reviewing its force structure to close deployment gaps and improve responses to emerging security threats across Nigeria.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen its operational readiness, expand its presence in critical areas, and improve its ability to address the country’s evolving security landscape.
