(Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. Photo by Premuim Times)
The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit 28,000 additional soldiers following the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri-Edda, spanning Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this at a media briefing to kick off the 2026 Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, saying the Army is expanding its recruitment capacity and strengthening manpower to address growing security challenges nationwide.
He was represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” with a strong emphasis on national security, civil-military cooperation, technological advancement, and regional defence collaboration.
The COAS noted that as part of ongoing reforms, the Army has established additional Brigades and Units, inducted modern combat equipment, strengthened strategic partnerships, improved infrastructure nationwide, and prioritised troop welfare under its “Soldier First” policy.
He added that the Army has continued to confront major security threats including activities of Boko Haram, k!dn@ppers, b@ndits, separatist groups, and other non-state actors threatening national stability.
Activities for the week-long celebration officially commenced on Friday, June 26, with Juma’at prayers across Army formations nationwide. On July 3, the Army will organise public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country.
July 4 will feature the Army Day Celebration Lecture, an award ceremony, media interaction, and a charity outreach by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, NAOWA, in Port Harcourt.
Free medical outreach programmes and the commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation projects in Port Harcourt communities are scheduled for July 5.
The celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand military parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards.
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, policymakers, defence industry representatives, and security experts to strengthen cooperation and discuss emerging defence innovations.
An international defence exhibition will also showcase advanced military technologies and combat platforms for possible procurement by participating countries.
The Army urged the media to continue reporting responsibly, promote national unity, and support ongoing security operations, reaffirming that the institution belongs to all Nigerians.