The Nigerian Army has outline an ambitious expansion and modernisation agenda, announcing plans to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel, strengthen force deployment, expand operational formations and deepen regional defence cooperation as part of efforts to respond to Nigeria's evolving security threats as it launched the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).


Desk: Defence

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026

Time: 11:45 WAT

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Author: Nokai Origin 


Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu positioned this year's NADCEL not merely as an anniversary celebration but as a platform to explain the Army's changing role amid terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security challenges confronting the country.


Represented at the briefing by the Chief of Policy and Plans Army, Major General Bamidele Alabi, the briefing also provided one of the clearest public assessments yet of the Army's priorities.

According to the Army Chief, ongoing reforms are being driven by a command philosophy centred on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency security environments.

Central to that effort, Army leadership disclosed, is a "Soldier-First" approach that places personnel welfare alongside operational effectiveness while expanding manpower and introducing modern technology as force multipliers across theatres of operation.

Among the most significant announcements was the establishment of a third Nigerian Army training depot at Amasiri Edda, a move expected to increase recruitment capacity by about 28,000 additional troops to reinforce ongoing operations nationwide.

Army Headquarters also disclosed that additional brigades and operational units have been established while deployment structures continue to be reviewed to close emerging operational gaps across different parts of the country.

The Army further revealed that it is inducting new combat platforms, expanding strategic partnerships, improving infrastructure across formations and institutionalising recognition programmes aimed at rewarding gallantry and professional excellence.

Beyond force development, Lieutenant General Shaibu presented NADCEL itself as a strategic public engagement programme designed to strengthen civil-military relations and improve public understanding of the Army's constitutional responsibilities.

Activities scheduled for the week-long celebration include nationwide religious services, school public speaking engagements, medical outreach programmes, civil-military cooperation projects, a lecture series, media engagements, research exhibitions and the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition before the grand finale on July 6.

One of the major additions to this year's celebration is the integration of the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF), expected to bring together African army chiefs, defence industry leaders, policymakers and security experts for discussions on defence innovation and regional security cooperation.

Army leadership believes the forum will strengthen collaboration among African militaries while exposing participating countries to emerging defence technologies and operational innovations.

Reflecting on the institution's 163-year evolution from the Glover Hausas established in 1863 to today's Nigerian Army, the briefing argued that NADCEL remains both a remembrance of military history and an opportunity to evaluate operational performance while preparing for future security demands.

The Chief of Army Staff also appealed for stronger public cooperation, describing national security as a shared responsibility requiring support from citizens, the media and other security agencies.

He urged journalists to continue promoting accurate reporting capable of strengthening national unity while countering terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality through responsible public information.


As preparations begin for NADCEL 2026, the briefing signals that the Nigerian Army intends to use this year's celebration less as a ceremonial anniversary and more as a public demonstration of how it plans to expand manpower, modernise capabilities and reposition itself for Nigeria's changing security landscape.

🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, NADCEL 2026, Waidi Shaibu, Army Modernisation, Military Reform, Defence, AFRILAFF, Recruitment

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