Insecurity: Army to recruit 28,000 more soldiers, opens new training depot

The Nigerian Army is significantly expanding its troop numbers, planning to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers. This move aims to strengthen ongoing operations against widespread insecurity across the country. The expansion is supported by the establishment of a new training depot in Amasiri Edda, the third of its kind, which will increase the army's capacity to train recruits.

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Manpower is as important as the equipment required to fight insecurity. To this end, we have expanded our recruitment scope by establishing another training depot at Amasiri Edda, making it the third institution to train able-bodied civilians for the Nigerian Army, thereby enhancing our manpower.

Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu emphasized that manpower is as crucial as equipment in combating insecurity. He stated that the army is continuously reviewing its force structure, establishing new brigades and units, and enhancing its operational capabilities through modern technology and strategic partnerships. These measures are designed to address deployment gaps and improve response to emerging security threats.

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With this action, the Nigerian Army is expected to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops to help stem the tide of insecurity across the country.

Shaibu highlighted progress in manpower development, professionalism, and civil-military relations during his seven-month tenure. His command philosophy focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force. This vision is underpinned by a "Soldier-First" culture prioritizing personnel welfare, which is seen as a key driver of operational success.

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Accordingly, the Nigerian Army has established additional brigades and units to boost our operations, while continuously reviewing our force structure to cover observed gaps in our deployments to address emerging security challenges across the country.