Nigerian Army to recruit 28,000 new soldiers to combat insecurity
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigerian Army plans to recruit an additional 28,000 soldiers to enhance its manpower and strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity nationwide. Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. Represented by Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi, Chief of Policy and Plans Army, Shaibu stated that this recruitment drive follows the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, making it the third institution for training recruits. He emphasized that manpower is crucial for fighting insecurity and that the expansion aims to significantly increase troop numbers. The Army has also established additional brigades and units, reviewed its force structure to address deployment gaps, and acquired modern platforms and combat enablers to strengthen operational capabilities. Shaibu highlighted progress in operations, infrastructure development, manpower expansion, professionalism, and civil-military relations since he assumed office seven months ago. His command philosophy focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force, prioritizing personnel welfare through a "Soldier-First" culture. He noted that troops are actively engaged nationwide, significantly degrading Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, separatist elements, and other criminal groups. The Army Chief assured Nigerians of continued adherence to constitutional respon
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Church on the Street NG has introduced the 2026 Civic Africa Fellowship, a program designed to equip young Africans with leadership and global citizenship skills. The organization stated that the fellowship aims to empower young people to become active citizens, policy influencers, and solution providers within their communities. This initiative seeks to reposition young Africans from being beneficiaries to drivers of social transformation, particularly as Africa has the world's youngest population. The fellowship will gather young leaders passionate about civic engagement, community development, social innovation, and public service. Itofa Ivarah, Founder of Church on the Street NG, emphasized that Africa's future depends on the quality of its leaders. The program will include mentorship, leadership workshops, collaborative projects, and a residency to enhance leadership capacity and civic engagement. The organization also called for collaboration from development partners, educators, policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth-focused institutions to strengthen youth leadership and civic participation across Africa. The launch of the Civic Africa Fellowship is a step in Church on the Street NG's mission to empower communities and foster social transformation.
Must ReadOyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that the safe rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area is his administration's top priority. Security agencies are conducting coordinated operations, with the state government providing support. To enhance security and aid rescue efforts, a temporary 16-hour curfew has been approved for 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The government is also preparing for the safe resumption of schools, balancing education with the safety of students and teachers. Governor Makinde also announced that the delivery of the state's surveillance aircraft is in its final phase, with additional technical procedures delaying its expected June delivery. These procedures ensure all operational, regulatory, and safety requirements are met before handover. The aircraft is expected to significantly strengthen the state's capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response, and broader security operations, while also supporting other critical government functions. Makinde reiterated his administration's commitment to public safety, education, infrastructure, and strategic investments.
Must ReadA report by SBM Intel Violence Tracker reveals that Nigerian security agencies lost 282 rifles to various armed groups in 94 separate incidents between 2021 and mid-2026. The Nigeria Police Force accounted for the majority of these losses, with 201 rifles stolen, representing 71.3 percent of the total. The military lost 45 rifles, while other security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Customs Service, and vigilantes also reported losses. "Unknown gunmen" were identified as the primary perpetrators, responsible for 168 stolen rifles, followed by bandits with 58 rifles, and the Islamic State West Africa Province with 41. Geographically, Delta State recorded the highest number of stolen rifles with 67, followed by Abia with 51. Despite these thefts, security agencies recovered 1,442 rifles during the same period, indicating that the issue of illegal weapons in Nigeria extends beyond those stolen from security personnel, and the pace of theft accelerated in 2026.