Nigerian Army Plans Recruitment Of 28,000 New Soldiers, Opens Training Depot In Ebonyi

The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to boost manpower and strengthen operations against insecurity across the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Abuja to start the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi.

Shaibu said the recruitment drive followed the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri-Edda, Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.

“The Army is expanding recruitment capacity and strengthening manpower to address growing security challenges nationwide,” the COAS said.

As part of ongoing reforms, the Army has established additional brigades and units, inducted modern combat equipment, strengthened strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure nationwide, and prioritised troop welfare under its “Soldier First” policy.

The Nigerian Army Day Celebration, with the theme “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”, places emphasis on national security, civil-military cooperation, technological advancement and regional defence collaboration.

Shaibu said the threats confronting the country include activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits, separatist groups and other non-state actors threatening national stability.

Sources: Vanguard, Punch