Military Expansion: Nigerian Army Plans to Enlist 28,000 Additional Troops Amid Rising Security Concerns

The Nigerian Army has initiated a recruitment drive to enlist 28,000 additional soldiers, leveraging the newly established training depot in Amasiri-Edda, Afikpo, and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, as announced on Friday.

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Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated that the expansion of recruitment capacity and strengthening of manpower is aimed at addressing the growing security challenges across the nation.

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According to Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Army's role in safeguarding the nation and serving the people is evolving, as highlighted during the 2026 Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) media briefing, where he was represented by Major General Bamidele Alabi, Chief of Policy and Plans.

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The Army has implemented various reforms, including the establishment of additional Brigades and Units, induction of modern combat equipment, strengthened strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure nationwide, and prioritised troop welfare under its "Soldier First" policy, as outlined by Major General Bamidele Alabi.

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The 2026 Army Day Celebration, themed "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army", focuses on National Security, Civil Military Cooperation, technological advancement, and regional Defence Collaboration, providing an opportunity for the Army to assess its operational performance and celebrate achievements.

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The week-long event will also project the military as a key instrument of national unity, integration, and development, according to Major General Bamidele Alabi, who noted that the Army has continued to modernise its operations while confronting major security threats.

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These security threats include activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits, separatist groups, and other non-state actors threatening national stability, as stated by Major General Bamidele Alabi, who added that the Army remains committed to protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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The Nigerian Army's history dates back to 1863, when a small indigenous force known as Glover Hausas was established, eventually evolving into the modern Nigerian Army, as reflected upon by Major General Bamidele Alabi during the briefing.

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Activities for the celebration commenced on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Juma'at prayers across Army formations nationwide, marking the beginning of the week-long event.

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On Friday, July 3, the Army will organise public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country, as part of the celebration activities.

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Saturday, July 4, will feature the Nigerian Army Day Celebration Lecture, an award ceremony for the Chief of Army Staff, interaction with media, and a charity outreach programme by the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA) in Port Harcourt.

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The following day, Sunday, July 5, the Army will conduct free medical outreach programmes for residents of selected communities in Port Harcourt, alongside the commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in neighbouring communities.

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The grand finale of the celebration will take place on Monday, July 6, with a military parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards.

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A major highlight of this year's event is the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed "Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts", which will bring together African army chiefs, senior military leaders, policy makers, defence industry representatives, and security experts.

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An international defence exhibition will also be held, showcasing advanced military technologies and combat platforms for possible procurement by participating countries, as part of the African Land Forces Forum 2026.

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The Army is confident that this year's celebration will promote innovation, strengthen regional and global partnerships, and improve strategic collaboration on defence and security matters across Africa, while acknowledging Nigeria's security challenges.

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The Army has urged the media to continue reporting responsibly, promote national unity, and support ongoing security operations, with the statement "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".