The Nigerian Army deployed 14,000 new troops trained to strengthen counterterrorism operations

The Nigerian Army has completed the training of 14,000 new soldiers as part of human resource expansion aimed at strengthening military operations against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this in an interactive session with media executives held on the sidelines of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebrations 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 recommendations to strengthen the operational capacity of the Army in response to the growing security challenges in Nigeria.

Shaibu explained that the request for additional personnel was made not long after he took office, after a study was carried out on the workforce needs of the Indonesian Army.

“Within a week of assuming command, I reviewed the manpower conditions of the Nigerian Army and saw the need to increase our strength due to emerging security challenges across the country. I recommended to Mr President the need to increase our manpower, and he happily 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 were expected to complete the program soon, bringing the total number of newly trained soldiers to around 14,000.

He noted that the Army has overhauled its training curriculum to equip recruits with the skills necessary to confront contemporary security threats before they are deployed for active operations.

“Having the workforce is one thing; ensuring they are well trained is another. We have reviewed the curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counterinsurgency, counterterrorism and critical field skills. Before deploying, these young soldiers undergo nearly 11 months of intensive training to ensure they are combat ready,” he said:

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Shaibu said the Nigerian Army had intensified its operations nationwide and recorded important progress in countering terrorist groups and other criminal elements through intelligence-based missions carried out in collaboration with similar security agencies and international partners.

According to him, security forces have neutralized and arrested a total of 1,877 terrorists in the last operation.

He attributed this success to improved logistics, increased training, better inter-agency cooperation and continued support from the Federal Government.

The Army chief also highlighted ongoing investments in military hardware, saying the service has purchased mine-resistant vehicles, surveillance platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles and other specialized equipment to strengthen operational capabilities.

“UAVs are one of the important combat tools in modern warfare. We have acquired and deployed them in various geopolitical zones to support ongoing operations. Some have surveillance capabilities, while others have attack capabilities,” he said.

He further revealed that locally produced combat vehicles are now being put into military operations as part of efforts to increase domestic defense production.

“One of the platforms recently produced domestically is the Vampire combat vehicle. We purchased around 15 units, and are currently being used in various operations, some are even being deployed abroad,” he said.

Shaibu said the Army would continue to deepen collaboration with the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other domestic manufacturers to expand local production of military equipment.

On ongoing efforts to rescue kidnapped students and teachers in Oyo State, the Chief of Army Staff assured Nigerians that security forces have made significant progress.

“Operations are currently underway to rescue the 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 retired officers and soldiers, as well as expanding opportunities for training and career development.

“Highly motivated soldiers are very important for operational effectiveness. We invest in their welfare because soldiers remain one of our greatest national assets,” he said.

Shaibu appealed to the public to continue supporting the Armed Forces by providing credible intelligence information, and stressed that the fight against insecurity requires the cooperation of every Nigerian.

“This is your Army. We need your support, your prayers, and reliable information to enable us to carry out our constitutional responsibilities effectively,” he added.