The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit 28,000 new soldiers as it ramps up efforts to tackle escalating security challenges across the country.
The disclosure was made on Friday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a media briefing to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
According to the COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi, the massive recruitment exercise is enabled by the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State’s Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Army’s manpower and operational capacity.
“The Army is expanding recruitment capacity and strengthening manpower to address growing security challenges nationwide,” Lt. Gen. Shaibu stated.
The 2026 celebration, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” highlights the force’s commitment to national security, civil-military cooperation, technological advancement, and regional defence collaboration.
As part of ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Army has established new brigades and units, inducted modern combat equipment, improved infrastructure, and prioritised troop welfare through its “Soldier First” policy.
The Army continues to confront multiple threats including Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, separatist groups, and other non-state actors. Despite these challenges, the force remains focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
Celebration Highlights.
Activities for the week-long event officially began on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Juma’at prayers held across Army formations nationwide.
July 3: Public speaking engagements in secondary schools across the country.
July 4: Army Day Lecture, COAS Award Ceremony, media interaction, and a charity outreach by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in Port Harcourt.
July 5: Free medical outreaches and commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in Port Harcourt communities.
July 6: Grand military parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards.
A major highlight will be the African Land Forces Forum 2026, which will convene African army chiefs, senior military leaders, policymakers, and defence industry experts to discuss advanced defence strategies and foster regional cooperation. An international defence exhibition will also showcase cutting-edge military technologies.
The Nigerian Army urged the media and the public to promote responsible reporting, national unity, and patriotism as the force continues its mission of protecting the nation.
“The Nigerian Army belongs to you. It is your Army,” the statement emphasised. “Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development.”
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