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  • Nigerian Army to Recruit 28,000 New Troops as Tinubu Orders Major Security Expansion

    The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops as part of a wide-ranging expansion aimed at strengthening national security amid rising threats across the country.

    The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, during the opening of the First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, where he outlined new strategies to boost military manpower and operational capacity.

    Mass Recruitment Drive Announced

    According to the Army leadership, the recruitment is part of directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address manpower gaps within the armed forces.

    The move is expected to significantly boost “boots on the ground” across various theatres of operation, including insurgency-hit regions in the North-East and banditry-prone North-West.

    The Army said the new personnel will be trained to support intelligence-led operations and rapid response missions across the country.

    New Military Formations Across States

    Alongside the recruitment plan, the Nigerian Army has established several new formations to strengthen security coverage nationwide.

    These include the 15 Brigade in parts of the South-East, new battalions in Kogi and Adamawa States, as well as logistics bases in Ilorin, Kwara State and Gusau, Zamfara State.

    A new training depot has also been set up in Amasiri, Ebonyi State, which will serve as a key centre for training the incoming recruits.

    Security Strategy and Government Push

    Military authorities say the expansion is aimed at improving coordination, enhancing intelligence gathering, and increasing response speed to emerging threats across different regions.

    Lt. Gen. Shuaibu commended President Tinubu for continued support in equipment procurement, welfare improvements, and infrastructure upgrades within the Army.

    He also noted that the restructuring has already contributed to improved operational outcomes in some volatile areas.

    Concerns Over Implementation

    While the development has been welcomed by some security analysts and stakeholders, concerns remain over training capacity, troop welfare, and the challenges of integrating such a large number of recruits within a short timeframe.

    There are also ongoing discussions around casualties and long-term sustainability of military operations amid widespread insecurity.

    Further details on recruitment requirements, timelines, and application processes are expected to be released by the Nigerian Army in the coming weeks.

     

  • ISWAP Blocks Maiduguri–Damaturu Highway After Deadly Jilli Airstrike Sparks Controversy

    Suspected ISWAP terrorists have blocked the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway following a recent military airstrike on Jilli market, in what security sources describe as a retaliatory move after the operation disrupted insurgent activities in the area.

    The blockade reportedly occurred days after the air operation along the Borno–Yobe border, intensifying concerns over security and civilian safety in the region.

    What happened

    According to security sources, the insurgents moved onto the highway and halted movement shortly after the strike on Jilli market.

    A counter-terrorism expert, identified as @mobilisingniger on X, shared a video showing the development, describing it as a show of defiance by the group.

    “After the airstrike in Jilli market, they started acting aggressively. Today, they blocked the road and stopped movement,” he said.

    Airstrike and casualty controversy

    Last Saturday, the Nigerian military carried out an airstrike on Jilli market during peak trading hours, with reports indicating that at least 56 people were feared dead and 14 others injured.

    The strike was believed to be targeting Boko Haram insurgents and their collaborators, but multiple sources claimed the intended targets were missed, raising concerns about civilian casualties.

    Jilli market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, is known to attract traders from surrounding communities across Borno and Yobe states.

    Government defends operation

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, however, insisted that Jilli market had been officially shut down five years ago due to its links to insurgent logistics.

    He described the location as a long-standing hub for terrorist activities, stating that its closure was part of efforts to disrupt supply chains used by armed groups.

    Similarly, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, defended the airstrike, rejecting claims that civilians were killed.

    He maintained that the operation was a deliberate move to dismantle a key support base for insurgents rather than a tragic error.

    Rising tension in the region

    The highway blockade has heightened fears among residents and travellers, as the Maiduguri–Damaturu road remains a critical route linking parts of the North-East.

    The development adds to ongoing security challenges in the region, with authorities under pressure to contain insurgent threats and protect civilian lives.