Army to Recruit Additional 28,000 Troops to Tackle Insecurity
The Nigerian Army has concluded plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 personnel as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and intensify the fight against insecurity across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday during a press conference to herald the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), saying the Service was also expanding its force structure, improving deployment strategies and leveraging modern technology to counter evolving security threats.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS said the Army remains committed to denying criminal and subversive elements the freedom to operate while ensuring that all military operations are conducted in line with the rules of engagement, international humanitarian law and constitutional provisions on human rights.
He explained that manpower remains critical to the Army’s operational effectiveness, prompting the establishment of an additional training depot at Amasiri Edda, which becomes the third institution dedicated to training recruits for the Nigerian Army.
“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.
“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.
“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,” he said.
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The Army Chief added that the Service has established additional brigades and units while continuously reviewing its force structure to address observed operational gaps and respond effectively to emerging security challenges nationwide.
According to him, the Army has also enhanced its operational capability through the induction of modern combat platforms, force multipliers and strategic partnerships.
Shaibu said the Army had institutionalised measures to recognise gallantry and honour fallen heroes, while embarking on extensive infrastructure development across formations and units nationwide.
He noted that the welfare of personnel remains a central pillar of his leadership vision through the implementation of a “Soldier-First” culture that prioritises the well-being of officers, soldiers and their families as a key driver of operational effectiveness.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to protecting human rights, the COAS said troops would continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities in strict compliance with domestic and international legal frameworks governing armed conflict.
“Accordingly, we shall continue to discharge our constitutional duties in tandem with the rules of engagement, with respect for all aspects of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as other international principles and guidelines,” he said.
The Army Chief maintained that despite Nigeria’s evolving security environment, the Nigerian Army has remained steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional mandate and has continued to modernise its capabilities to meet emerging threats.
He said troops are currently engaged in multiple operations across the country, where they have continued to degrade the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups and other non-state actors threatening national peace and stability.
The 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration is expected to showcase the Service’s operational achievements, honour fallen heroes and reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By PRNigeria
