The Federal Government has approved the recruitment and training of more than 28,000 new soldiers within one year as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure and improve military capacity across the country.
This disclosure was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, at the Government House in Makurdi.
According to the Army Chief, the approval was granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand the operational strength of the Nigerian Army and improve its ability to respond to security threats across different regions of the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the recruitment plan will take place within a one-year period and will focus on training new personnel who will be deployed to support ongoing military operations.
He said the move is aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture, especially in areas experiencing security challenges.
“The President has approved the recruitment and training of over 28,000 troops within one year to strengthen the nation’s security architecture,” Shaibu stated.
The Army Chief made the announcement while discussing broader efforts by the Nigerian Army to improve operational readiness and expand its presence in key security hotspots.
During the visit, Shaibu noted that the Army is not only increasing troop numbers but also improving its operational capacity through the deployment of additional formations and modern equipment.
He disclosed that an additional battalion has already been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to support security operations and reinforce troops on the ground.
“The additional battalion deployed to Kwande is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security operations and ensure that communities under threat receive adequate protection,” he explained.
Beyond troop deployment, the Nigerian Army is also adopting non-kinetic strategies aimed at improving cooperation with local communities.
Shaibu said the military has been engaging traditional leaders to encourage intelligence sharing and strengthen community relationships.
“We are also engaging traditional rulers, including the Tor Tiv, to improve community cooperation and intelligence gathering,” he added.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the support provided by the Benue State Government to security forces operating in the state.
According to him, the government has supplied operational assets such as drones, motorcycles and vehicles to assist troops in carrying out their duties.
He further revealed that the Nigerian Army is expanding its aviation capabilities to improve response times during security operations.
This includes plans to provide helicopters to support Operation Whirl Stroke and other security missions in the region.
“We are expanding our aviation assets to improve response time, and plans are underway to provide helicopters to support Operation Whirl Stroke,” Shaibu stated.
In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for their continued commitment to improving security in the state.
The governor described the visit by the Army Chief as a homecoming and acknowledged the support provided by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling insecurity.
He said cooperation between the Benue State Government and the military has helped to significantly reduce security threats across the state.
“When we assumed office, about 17 of the state’s 23 local government areas were heavily affected by insecurity, but sustained efforts have reduced the number of high-risk areas to three,” Alia said.
The governor also urged communities to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent attacks and maintain peace.
