The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shuaibu, has announced the establishment of new brigades, battalions and operational units across several states as part of efforts to strengthen security operations nationwide.
Shuaibu disclosed this on Monday during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 held in Abuja.
According to the Army Chief, the new military formations are aimed at improving operational effectiveness, expanding the Army’s presence in volatile areas and enhancing rapid response to emerging security threats across the country.
“The Nigerian Army has maintained an enhanced operational posture through continuous troop deployments, reconfiguration of formations and the establishment of additional Joint Task Force formations and units in critical locations,” he stated.
Shuaibu listed some of the newly established formations to include the 15 Brigade and affiliated units in Anambra and Imo states, the 12 Battalion in Anyigba, Kogi State, the 226 Battalion in Ganye, Adamawa State, and the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion in Mubi.
He also mentioned the establishment of Army Headquarters Logistics Base 4 in Gusau, Logistics Base 5 in Ilorin, as well as Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central region.
“These measures have strengthened our operational reach, improved response time and facilitated effective intelligence-led operations,” the COAS said.
He added that the military had continued to disrupt criminal networks, weaken armed groups and restore relative calm in previously troubled areas.
The Army Chief further disclosed that the newly established Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri, Edda area of Ebonyi State was created to support the Federal Government’s directive for the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers under the Army expansion programme.
“Additionally, the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri, Edda is geared towards achieving the mandate of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive of recruiting an additional 28,000 troops,” he said.
Shuaibu also highlighted the growing contribution of Nigerian Army aviation assets, noting that air support operations recently enabled the successful insertion and extraction of troops within the Tumbutu Triangle in the North-East for the first time.
“It is worth noting that one of the major enablers of our recent operational success has been the growing contribution of Nigerian Army aviation assets,” he added.
The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships in tackling insecurity across the country.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces through improved equipment procurement, infrastructure development and personnel welfare.
According to him, ongoing welfare initiatives, including improved accommodation, healthcare services and review of allowances, are expected to boost troop morale and strengthen combat readiness.
The development comes amid continued security challenges across different parts of Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and separatist-related violence.
