Nigerian Army to recruit 28,000 more soldiers, establishes new training depot
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Nigerian Army plans to recruit an additional 28,000 soldiers to enhance its manpower and operations against insecurity. This initiative follows the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, making it the third such institution for recruit training. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, announced this during a press briefing for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. The Army has also created new brigades and units, reviewed its force structure, and integrated modern platforms and combat enablers to address security threats. Shaibu highlighted progress in operations, infrastructure, manpower development, and civil-military relations, guided by a "Soldier-First" philosophy prioritizing personnel welfare. He noted significant degradation of various criminal groups and reaffirmed the Army's commitment to constitutional responsibilities and human rights. The 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, themed "Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army," commenced on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Juma'at prayers. Activities include interdenominational church services, public speaking programs in schools, a lecture, media interactions, and a medical outreach. The celebration culminates on July 6 with a ceremonial parade, awards, equipment display, and the African Land Forces Forum 2026, which will gather African army chiefs and defense experts to discuss security and foster regional coopera
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Must ReadThe African Democratic Congress ADC has criticized the Bola Tinubu-led government's push for state police, describing the proposed legislation as a hurried response to Nigeria's worsening insecurity rather than a carefully planned constitutional reform. In a statement, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary, said that while the party consistently supports state police, the reform requires institutional safeguards for professionalism, accountability, and oversight. The ADC argues that state police should not be presented as an immediate solution to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The party views the government's effort as a "hurried response to a worsening security crisis" rather than careful institutional planning. The ADC also rejected the portrayal of state police as a new initiative, noting its long history in Nigeria's constitutional debate. They stated that state police is a structural reform whose benefits will be realized over time and cannot solve today's emergency. The party criticized the speed of the National Assembly's processing of the legislation, insisting that such constitutional amendments require extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The ADC questioned the timing, asking why the administration waited almost until the end of its tenure to rush the amendment. They also raised concerns about the significant investments needed for functional state police services and the absence of clear safeguards against political in
Must ReadPeter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has urged President Bola Tinubu to postpone the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election. Obi expressed concerns that introducing a new policing structure before the polls could lead to political manipulation. His statement follows the National Assembly's passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which seeks to establish state police alongside the Nigeria Police Force. This bill, a reform aimed at decentralizing Nigeria鈥檚 policing system due to increasing insecurity, now requires approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before presidential assent. While acknowledging the merits of decentralized policing, Obi, the former Anambra State governor, raised concerns about the transparency of the current implementation process and the potential for political abuse, especially with the 2027 general election approaching. He called for strong independent oversight, including state Police Service Commissions insulated from executive control, to ensure state police serve the public interest rather than becoming tools for the political elite. Obi argued there is no assurance the current administration would not exploit state police to influence the 2027 general election, thus recommending deferring its implementation until after the election.
Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara has called on the organized private sector to invest in Nigeria's blue economy, emphasizing the need for government-private sector partnerships to unlock economic potential. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting/Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture NACCIMA in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara, represented by his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, warned that foreign entities would dominate the sector if local private businesses did not act quickly. He highlighted the blue economy's capacity to generate more revenue than oil and gas, noting that foreign trawlers currently exploit Nigeria's territorial waters without contributing to the government. Governor Fubara reiterated his administration's commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, investment, job creation, and sustainable development. NACCIMA President Engineer Jani Ibrahim commended the Rivers State government for its investment-friendly policies and infrastructure development, which enhance the state's competitiveness and reputation as a key commerce and investment hub. President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industries Mines and Agriculture Dr Chinyere Nwoga added that hosting the conference signifies the state's safety and readiness for business and investors.