…COAS says troops have neutralised and arrested 1,877 terrorists, deployed armed drones, locally made combat vehicles
…Rescue efforts for abducted Oyo pupils making progress
By Evelyn Usman
PORT HARCOURT — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has disclosed that the Nigerian Army has trained 14,000 of the 28,000 additional soldiers approved by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the force’s manpower in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Shaibu said the recruits had undergone intensive training in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other specialised combat operations before deployment to various theatres across the country.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives on the sidelines of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the COAS said the recruitment followed his review of the Army’s manpower shortly after assuming office.
“Within one week of assuming command, I reviewed the manpower state of the Nigerian Army and saw the need to improve our strength because of the emerging security challenges across the country. I recommended to Mr. President the need to improve our manpower, and he graciously approved the recruitment of 28,000 personnel,” he said.
Providing an update on the exercise, Shaibu said 6,000 soldiers graduated from the Zaria training depot, another 5,000 from the Osogbo training school, while 3,000 more recruits are expected to graduate from the Amasiri-Edda Training Depot, bringing the total number of trained recruits to about 14,000.
He said the Army had revised its training curriculum to ensure recruits are adequately prepared for modern warfare.
“Having manpower is one thing; ensuring they are properly trained is another. We have reviewed the curriculum to focus on marksmanship proficiency, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and critical field skills. Before deployment, these young soldiers undergo almost 11 months of intensive training to ensure they are combat-ready,” he said.
The Army Chief also said troops had intensified offensive operations nationwide, recording significant successes against terrorists and other criminal groups.
According to him, troops have neutralised and arrested 1,877 terrorists through intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and international partners.
He attributed the operational gains to improved logistics, enhanced training, strategic partnerships and support from the Federal Government.
Shaibu said the Army had also acquired mine-resistant vehicles, surveillance platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other combat equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.
“UAVs are among the critical combat enablers in modern warfare. We have acquired and deployed them across the various geopolitical zones to support ongoing operations. Some have surveillance capabilities, while others have strike capabilities,” he said.
He added that locally manufactured combat vehicles were already being deployed for military operations.
“One of the platforms recently produced locally is the Vampire combat vehicle. We procured about 15 of them, and they are currently being used in various operations, while some have even been deployed outside the country,” he said.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army would continue to support indigenous defence production through collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other local manufacturers.
On the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Shaibu assured Nigerians that security forces were making steady progress.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
The Army Chief also said improving troop welfare remained a priority through the renovation and construction of barracks, affordable housing schemes for retiring personnel and enhanced training opportunities.
“A well-motivated soldier is critical to operational effectiveness. We are investing in their welfare because the soldier remains one of our greatest national assets,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the military with credible information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
“This is your Army. We need your support, your prayers and credible information to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively,” he added.
