Chief of Army Staff boosts army size as more than 8,000 soldiers graduate from Osogbo depot.

By Kingsley Omonobi

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, enhanced the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity by graduating over 8,000 newly trained soldiers from the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo.

The recruits are expected to reinforce ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats across the country.

In a statement, the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the Passing Out Parade, held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, combat‑ready and mission‑oriented force capable of supporting the country’s national security objectives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Shaibu said the recruitment was in line with the Federal Government’s directive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces, for the Nigerian Army to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel to strengthen its force structure.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at addressing manpower shortages, enhancing operational effectiveness and improving the Army’s capacity to respond decisively to the country’s evolving security challenges.

The Army Chief said the recruits had undergone rigorous military training designed to develop their physical endurance, tactical competence, leadership qualities and fighting spirit required for modern military operations.

He noted that they were joining the Army at a critical time when troops remain actively engaged in multiple theatres of operation to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the lives and property of citizens.

Shaibu charged the new soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage, loyalty and self‑less service throughout their military careers.

He reminded them that significant national resources had been invested in their recruitment, training and development, reflecting the confidence reposed in them by the nation.

The COAS urged the soldiers to remain steadfast, resilient and committed to duty while conducting all operations in line with military ethics, professionalism and respect for human rights.

He expressed confidence that the newly graduated personnel would strengthen ongoing operations and contribute significantly to improving security and restoring lasting peace across the country.

Earlier, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the soldiers on the successful completion of their training.

He commended their resilience, discipline and determination, reaffirming the Osun State Government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces in promoting peace, security and national development.

Adewusi also urged the new soldiers to remain dedicated to the service of the nation.