The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit an additional 28,000 soldiers to strengthen its manpower and improve its response to the country’s growing security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed the development on Friday during a media briefing to formally unveil activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi, the Army Chief said the expansion follows the establishment of a new military training depot in Amasiri-Edda, located within Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
He explained that the new facility would significantly boost the Army’s training capacity and support the recruitment of thousands of new personnel to reinforce ongoing operations across the country.
“The Nigerian Army is expanding its recruitment capacity and strengthening its manpower to address the nation’s evolving security challenges,” he said.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the recruitment initiative forms part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing the Army and enhancing its operational effectiveness.
According to him, the military has established additional brigades and operational units, acquired modern combat equipment, strengthened strategic partnerships, upgraded infrastructure across formations and improved personnel welfare through the implementation of the “Soldier First” policy.
He noted that these reforms are intended to ensure that troops remain adequately equipped and motivated to tackle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence and other security threats confronting the country.
The Army said this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration is themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
The celebration, it explained, will focus on national security, civil-military cooperation, technological advancement and regional defence collaboration.
“The week-long event provides an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to assess its operational performance, celebrate its achievements and further project the military as an institution committed to national unity, integration and development,” the Army said.
The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that the Nigerian Army traces its origins to 1863, when the Glover Hausas, a small indigenous military force, was established before evolving into the present-day Nigerian Army.
Activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration began on Friday, June 26, with Juma’at prayers across military formations nationwide.
On Friday, July 3, the Army will organize public speaking competitions in secondary schools across the country.
Events scheduled for Saturday, July 4, include the Nigerian Army Day Lecture, the Chief of Army Staff Awards, media interactions and a charity outreach programme organized by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in Port Harcourt.
The following day, Sunday, July 5, free medical outreach services will be provided to residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt, alongside the commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects.
The celebration will climax on Monday, July 6, with a grand military parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition, and presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards.
A major highlight of this year’s celebration will be the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts.”
The forum is expected to bring together army chiefs, senior military officers, policymakers, defence industry stakeholders and security experts from across Africa to discuss emerging security challenges, strengthen military cooperation and explore advances in defence technology.
An accompanying international defence exhibition will showcase modern military hardware and combat systems for potential acquisition by participating countries.
The Nigerian Army expressed confidence that the celebration would deepen regional defence collaboration, promote innovation and enhance strategic partnerships across the continent.
It also appealed to the media to continue supporting national security efforts through responsible reporting.
“The Nigerian Army belongs to every Nigerian. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace, unity and national development,” the Army said.
