The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train 28,000 additional soldiers as part of a major manpower expansion aimed at confronting the country’s deepening security crisis. The disclosure was made on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the large-scale recruitment was made possible by the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda in Ebonyi State, which now stands as the third facility dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army, joining existing depots in Zaria and Oshogbo.

“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,” Shaibu stated.

The army chief noted that the 28,000-troop target was formally approved by President Bola Tinubu following his declaration of a state of emergency on national security, and forms part of a broader strategy to reinforce formations combating insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and separatist threats across the country. Recruits are expected to undergo a six-month training programme with a curriculum emphasising counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency operations, marksmanship and emerging military technologies.

Shaibu also announced reforms including the establishment of additional army brigades, induction of modern combat equipment, improved infrastructure and a welfare-centred “Soldier First” philosophy designed to sustain operational effectiveness across multiple theatres. He assured Nigerians that troops would continue to discharge their duties in strict adherence to rules of engagement and with respect for human rights.

The announcement comes under the theme of this year’s Army Day Celebration “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army” with activities lined up through to July 6, culminating in a grand parade, equipment exhibition and the African Land Forces Forum 2026 in Port Harcourt.