The Nigerian Army has completed the training of 14,000 new soldiers as part of an ongoing expansion of its manpower aimed at strengthening military operations against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives held on the sidelines of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the Army Chief, the new recruits are part of the 28,000 additional personnel approved by President Bola Tinubu following a recommendation to reinforce the Army’s operational capacity in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu explained that the request for additional personnel was made shortly after he assumed office, following an assessment of the Army’s manpower requirements.
“Within one week of assuming command, I reviewed the manpower state of the Nigerian Army and saw the need to improve our strength because of the emerging security challenges across the country. I recommended to Mr. President the need to improve our manpower, and he graciously approved the recruitment of 28,000 personnel,” he said.
Giving an update on the recruitment programme, the Army Chief said 6,000 recruits had completed training at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, while another 5,000 graduated from the training facility in Osogbo. He added that an additional 3,000 trainees at the Amasiri-Edda Training Depot are expected to complete their programme soon, bringing the total number of newly trained soldiers to approximately 14,000.
He noted that the Army has overhauled its training curriculum to equip recruits with the skills required to confront contemporary security threats before they are deployed for active operations.
“Having manpower is one thing; ensuring they are properly trained is another. We have reviewed the curriculum to focus on marksmanship proficiency, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and critical field skills. Before deployment, these young soldiers undergo almost 11 months of intensive training to ensure they are combat-ready,” he said:
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Shaibu said the Nigerian Army has intensified its operations nationwide and recorded notable gains against terrorist groups and other criminal elements through intelligence-driven missions conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies and international partners.
According to him, security forces have neutralised and arrested a total of 1,877 terrorists during recent operations.
He attributed the successes to improved logistics, enhanced training, better inter-agency cooperation and sustained support from the Federal Government.
The Army Chief also highlighted ongoing investments in military hardware, saying the service has procured mine-resistant vehicles, surveillance platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles and other specialised equipment to strengthen operational capabilities.
“UAVs are among the critical combat enablers in modern warfare. We have acquired and deployed them across the various geopolitical zones to support ongoing operations. Some have surveillance capabilities, while others have strike capabilities,” he said.
He further disclosed that locally manufactured combat vehicles are now being incorporated into military operations as part of efforts to boost indigenous defence production.
“One of the platforms recently produced locally is the Vampire combat vehicle. We procured about 15 of them, and they are currently being used in various operations, while some have even been deployed outside the country,” he said.
Shaibu said the Army would continue to deepen collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other indigenous manufacturers to expand local production of military equipment.
On the ongoing efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, the Chief of Army Staff assured Nigerians that security forces were making significant progress.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
The Army Chief also reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of personnel through the renovation and construction of barracks, affordable housing initiatives for retiring officers and soldiers, as well as expanded opportunities for training and career development.
“A well-motivated soldier is critical to operational effectiveness. We are investing in their welfare because the soldier remains one of our greatest national assets,” he said.
Shaibu appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Armed Forces by providing credible intelligence, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires the cooperation of every Nigerian.
“This is your Army. We need your support, your prayers and credible information to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively,” he added.
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