ABUJA: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has announced a major expansion of the Nigerian Army with the establishment of new brigades, battalions and operational units across six states, alongside plans to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel to strengthen national security.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, Shuaibu said the new formations are aimed at boosting the Army’s operational capacity, improving rapid response to emerging threats and expanding military presence in security flashpoints across the country.
According to the Army chief, the Nigerian Army has continued to maintain an enhanced operational posture through strategic troop deployments, restructuring of formations and the establishment of additional Joint Task Force units in critical locations.
“The Nigerian Army has maintained an enhanced operational posture through continuous troop deployments, reconfiguration of formations and the establishment of additional Joint Task Force formations and units in critical locations,” he said.
Shuaibu listed several newly established formations designed to reinforce military operations nationwide. They include:
- 15 Brigade and affiliated units in Anambra and Imo States;
- 12 Battalion in Anyigba, Kogi State;
- 226 Battalion in Ganye, Adamawa State;
- 247 Reconnaissance Battalion in Mubi, Adamawa State;
- Army Headquarters Logistics Base 4 in Gusau, Zamfara State;
- Army Logistics Base 5 in Ilorin, Kwara State; and
- Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central region.
The COAS explained that the additional formations are intended to improve operational effectiveness, reduce response time and enhance intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements across the country.
A major highlight of the announcement was the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, Edda in Ebonyi State, which will serve as a key training centre for the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers under the Federal Government’s military expansion programme.
“Additionally, the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri, Edda (Ebonyi), is geared towards achieving the mandate of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive of recruiting an additional 28,000 troops under the expansion programme,” Shuaibu stated.
He noted that the recruitment drive is expected to strengthen the Army’s manpower and improve its ability to tackle multiple security threats simultaneously across Nigeria.
The Army chief also highlighted the increasing role of Nigerian Army Aviation, describing it as a major force multiplier in ongoing military operations.
According to him, Army aviation assets recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully supporting the insertion and extraction of troops within the Tumbutu Triangle in the North-East for the first time.
“It is worth noting that one of the major enablers of our recent operational success has been the growing contribution of Nigerian Army aviation assets,” he said.
The successful deployment, he noted, has significantly enhanced operational flexibility in difficult terrains previously inaccessible to conventional ground forces.
Shuaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening joint military operations with other security agencies and enhancing international defence partnerships.
He disclosed that coordinated operations involving foreign partners have recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism and other security operations.
The Army chief also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces through improved funding, procurement of military equipment, infrastructure development and personnel welfare.
According to him, ongoing welfare initiatives—including improved barracks accommodation, enhanced healthcare services and the review of soldiers’ allowances—are designed to boost morale and improve combat readiness.
The Army’s expansion comes as Nigeria continues to confront multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, as well as separatist-related violence in parts of the South-East.
Military authorities believe that the establishment of additional formations and the planned recruitment of thousands of new troops will significantly strengthen the Army’s operational footprint, improve intelligence-led operations and enhance national security across the country.
