Insecurity: Army targets 28,000 fresh recruits
June 27, 2026 12:26 am
The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to recruit an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to boost its manpower and strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, Shaibu said the recruitment drive followed the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian 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.”
The army chief said the service had also established additional brigades and units while reviewing its force structure to address deployment gaps and respond more effectively to emerging security threats.
“Accordingly, the Nigerian Army has established additional brigades and units to boost our operations while continuously reviewing our force structure to bridge observed gaps in deployments and address emerging security challenges across the country,” he said.
Shaibu added that the Army had continued to strengthen its operational capability through the acquisition of modern platforms, combat enablers and strategic partnerships.
He also said the military had institutionalised measures to reward gallantry, improve personnel welfare and undertake massive infrastructure upgrades across formations nationwide.
Speaking on his administration’s priorities since assuming office seven months ago, the COAS said the Army had recorded significant progress in operations, infrastructure development, manpower expansion, professionalism and civil-military relations.
He noted that his command philosophy was anchored 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 supported by a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the welfare of personnel and their families as a key driver 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 said.
Shaibu reiterated that troops remained actively engaged in operations nationwide, noting that their efforts had significantly degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements and other criminal groups threatening national security.
He assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities in line with the rules of engagement and with respect for human rights.
The Army chief also announced that activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration had commenced, with this year’s theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
He appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in the collective effort to tackle insecurity.
Solomon Odeniyi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over six years of professional experience. He has covered key national beats including the judiciary, military, and police, and currently reports on anti-corruption and related issues. Solomon’s work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability.
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