The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army has trained 14,000 of the 28,000 additional soldiers approved by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen military operations against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives on the sidelines of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, saying the recruits had completed intensive training before deployment to operational theatres across the country….See More
14,000 recruits complete specialised training
According to the Army Chief, the recruitment followed a review of the Army’s manpower shortly after he assumed office.
He said President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 28,000 personnel after he recommended expanding the Army’s strength to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Providing an update, Shaibu said:
6,000 recruits graduated from the Zaria training depot.
5,000 recruits completed training at the Osogbo training school.
About 3,000 recruits are expected to graduate from the Amasiri-Edda Training Depot.
He said the total number of trained personnel would reach about 14,000.
Army revises training curriculum
Shaibu said the Army has updated its training curriculum to prepare soldiers for modern warfare.
According to him, recruits undergo nearly 11 months of intensive training in:
Counter-terrorism
Counter-insurgency
Marksmanship
Other critical combat skills
He said the training is designed to ensure soldiers are combat-ready before deployment.
Army records gains against terrorists
The COAS said troops have intensified offensive operations across the country.
According to him, intelligence-led operations carried out with other security agencies and international partners have resulted in the neutralisation and arrest of 1,877 terrorists.
He attributed the achievements to improved logistics, enhanced training, strategic partnerships and support from the Federal Government….See More
Military acquires new combat equipment
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army has strengthened its operational capacity with the acquisition of:
Mine-resistant vehicles
Surveillance platforms
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Other combat equipment
He said UAVs with surveillance and strike capabilities have already been deployed across the country’s geopolitical zones to support ongoing military operations.
The Army Chief also disclosed that locally manufactured combat vehicles, including the Vampire combat vehicle, are being used in operations.
According to him, about 15 Vampire combat vehicles have been procured, with some deployed for operations outside Nigeria.
COAS speaks on Oyo school abduction
On the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Shaibu said security forces were making steady progress.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
Welfare remains a priority
The Army Chief said improving troop welfare remains central to the Army’s agenda.
He listed ongoing initiatives to include:
Renovation and construction of barracks.
Affordable housing schemes for retiring personnel.
Expanded training and professional development opportunities.
Shaibu urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
“This is your Army. We need your support, your prayers and credible information to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively,” he said.See More
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