Nigeria TV Info 

COAS Announces Massive Recruitment, Establishes New Army Bases Nationwide

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shuaibu, has announced plans to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through a major recruitment drive and the establishment of new military formations across the country.

Speaking during the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, the Army Chief disclosed that new brigades, battalions, logistics bases and operational units have been created in several states to improve rapid response to security threats and enhance military presence in volatile regions.

According to him, the newly established formations include the 15 Brigade in Anambra and Imo states, the 12 Battalion in Anyigba, Kogi State, the 226 Battalion in Ganye, Adamawa State, the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion in Mubi, and additional logistics bases in Gusau and Ilorin. The Army also launched Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central region to strengthen security operations.

The COAS further revealed that the Federal Government has approved the recruitment of thousands of additional soldiers under the Army expansion programme. He explained that the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri, Ebonyi State, would support the training and enlistment of over 28,000 new personnel aimed at boosting manpower and operational effectiveness.

Shuaibu noted that the expansion is necessary due to Nigeria’s growing security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. He stated that the Army is focused on improving troop deployment, intelligence gathering and rapid intervention capabilities nationwide.

The Army Chief also highlighted the growing role of Nigerian Army aviation assets, noting that military aircraft recently supported successful troop insertion and extraction operations in difficult terrains within the North-East theatre. He added that the Army remains committed to joint operations, improved welfare for personnel and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.