The Nigerian Army announced on Friday, June 26, 2026, that it is recruiting 28,000 additional soldiers as part of a deliberate expansion of its manpower and training capacity to address growing security challenges across the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the disclosure at a media briefing in Abuja marking the launch of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL). He was represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Bamidele Alabi.

Central to the expansion is a newly established training depot in Amasiri-Edda, spanning Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State — a facility designed to significantly increase the Army’s capacity to train and absorb new recruits.

“The Army is expanding recruitment capacity and strengthening manpower to address growing security challenges nationwide,” Shaibu said.

The Army also disclosed that it had established additional Brigades and Units, inducted modern combat equipment, and strengthened strategic partnerships across the country.

Furthermore, infrastructure improvements and a “Soldier First” welfare policy were cited as part of the institution’s ongoing internal transformation.

NADCEL 2026 Runs June 26 to July 6 — Port Harcourt at the Centre

This year’s Army Day Celebration carries the theme “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army” and runs from Friday, June 26 to Monday, July 6, 2026, with Port Harcourt serving as the primary host city.

Alabi described the week-long event as an opportunity to assess operational performance, recognise achievements, and project the Army as a force for national unity and development.

“The week-long event will provide an opportunity for the Army to assess its operational performance, celebrate achievements, and further project the military as a key instrument of national unity, integration, and development,” he said.

Key events in the schedule include public speaking programmes in secondary schools on July 3; a NADCEL Lecture, COAS Award Ceremony, and media interaction on July 4; free medical outreach for communities in Port Harcourt on July 5; and a grand military parade, equipment display, and COAS Commendation Awards on July 6.

African Land Forces Forum Puts Nigeria at the Heart of Continental Defence

A major international component of NADCEL 2026 is the African Land Forces Forum 2026, themed “Securing Africa: Advanced Defence, United Efforts.”

Organised by Great Minds Event Limited, the forum will bring together African army chiefs, senior military leaders, policymakers, defence industry representatives, and security experts.

The forum will also feature an international defence exhibition showcasing advanced military technologies and combat platforms available for procurement by participating countries.

The Army traced its institutional origins to 1863, when a small indigenous force known as the Glover Hausas was established — a unit that eventually evolved into the modern Nigerian Army.

As the institution prepares for this expansion, the Army called on the media to report responsibly 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,” the statement read.

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