Nigerian Army Expands Recruitment Capacity to Address Security Threats

The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit 28,000 new soldiers to strengthen its manpower and address growing security challenges nationwide.

The Army made this disclosure on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the kick-off of the 2026 Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Ebonyi State. Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi, said the recruitment is necessary to expand the Army's capacity and strengthen manpower.

The Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed 'Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army', places a strong emphasis on national security, civil-military cooperation, technological advancement, and regional defence collaboration. The week-long event will provide an opportunity for the Army to assess its operational performance, celebrate achievements, and project the military as a key instrument of national unity, integration, and development.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army has continued to modernise its operations while confronting major security threats across the country, including activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits, separatist groups, and other non-state actors threatening national stability. He added that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Army has remained committed to protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.

Reflecting on the institution's history, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu said the Army traces its origin to 1863, when a small indigenous force known as Glover Hausas was established, eventually evolving into what is today known as the Nigerian Army.

Activities scheduled for the week-long celebration include Juma'at prayers across Army formations nationwide, public speaking programmes in secondary schools across the country, and a charity outreach programme by the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA) in Port Harcourt. The celebration will culminate on Monday, July 6, with a grand military parade, equipment display, research and development exhibition, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards.

### African Land Forces Forum 2026 to Discuss Emerging Defence Innovations

A major highlight of this year's event is the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed 'Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts'. The international defence forum, organised by Great Minds Event Limited, will bring together African army chiefs, senior military leaders, policy makers, defence industry representatives, and security experts to strengthen cooperation and discuss emerging defence innovations.

### Army Urges Media to Report Responsibly on Security Challenges

The Nigerian Army expressed confidence 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, the Army urged the media to continue reporting responsibly, promote national unity, and support ongoing security operations.

'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.'

### Key Facts

  • 28,000 new soldiers to be recruited
  • Establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri-Edda, Afikpo, and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State
  • Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) to be held from June 26 to July 6, 2026
  • Theme: 'Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army'
  • African Land Forces Forum 2026 to be hosted during the celebration