The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit 28,000 additional soldiers following the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri-Edda, located in Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Friday at a media briefing marking the commencement of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), saying the expansion is aimed at boosting manpower to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, the Army chief said the military was increasing its recruitment capacity as part of broader reforms to strengthen national security operations.
He noted that this year’s Army Day theme, *“Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,”* underscores the military’s commitment to national security, civil-military relations, technological advancement and regional defence cooperation.
According to him, the Army has established additional brigades and units, acquired modern combat equipment, improved infrastructure nationwide, deepened strategic partnerships and prioritised troop welfare through its *Soldier First* policy.
“The week-long event will provide an opportunity for the Army to assess its operational performance, celebrate achievements, and further project the military as a key instrument of national unity, integration and development,” he said.
Alabi stated that the Army remains actively engaged in tackling security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, separatist activities and other forms of criminality threatening national stability.
He added that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Army has sustained efforts to defend the country’s territorial integrity while supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
Reflecting on the institution’s history, he traced the Nigerian Army’s origins to 1863, when the Glover Hausas were established as an indigenous force that later evolved into today’s military structure.
Activities for the 2026 Army Day Celebration began on Friday, June 26, with Juma’at prayers across formations nationwide.
On July 3, the Army will organise public speaking programmes in secondary schools, while July 4 will feature the NADCEL lecture, Chief of Army Staff awards, media engagement and a charity outreach by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association in Port Harcourt.
Free medical services and the commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation projects are scheduled for July 5, with the celebration climaxing on July 6 with a grand parade, equipment displays, research exhibitions and commendation awards.
A major highlight of the event will be the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed *“Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts,”* which will bring together military chiefs, policymakers, defence experts and industry stakeholders from across the continent.
The Army said the forum and accompanying defence exhibition would strengthen regional collaboration, promote innovation and showcase advanced military technologies for possible acquisition by participating nations.
It also urged the media to support ongoing security efforts through responsible reporting and the promotion of national unity.
“The Nigerian Army belongs to you. It is your Army. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development,” the statement added.
