Nigerian Army Expected to Recruit 13,000 Personnel, “This Year Alone”

• The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, said the Nigerian Army is expecting about 13,000 new personnel
• Oluyede said the Nigerian Army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency and lacks the resources to provide accommodation for soldiers
• The Army boss made some demands when the Senate Committee on Army, led by its Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, visited the Army Headquarters, Abuja

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - The Nigerian Army will recruit at least 13,000 fresh personnel into the existing manpower before the end of 2025.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, said the army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency.

Oluyede lamented that there are slim resources to cater for the expected personnel who are to join the army.

The Army boss disclosed this while playing host to the Senate Committee on Army at the Army Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

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As reported by Daily Trust, the federal lawmakers were on an oversight function led by their Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.

Oluyede appealed for improved funding for the Nigerian Army because of growing demands for operational efficiency and personnel welfare.

He lamented that the current funding mechanisms, particularly the envelope budgeting system, were inadequate to meet the army’s needs.

Speaking during the visit, the Army chief said:

“As we speak, the Army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency. This year alone, we are expecting about 13,000 new personnel, but there are no corresponding resources to provide accommodation for them.

“We still have soldiers not being accommodated, and that number will continue to grow.”

He urged the committee to consider creating special funding provisions for the Army outside the envelope budgeting structure.

The Army boss said it will enable the military to provide the required combat support and welfare infrastructure.

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“We are not only looking at insecurity within, but what if someday we are challenged from outside? So, I want to pray that you please look at that, and at the same time, look at how we can get special funds for us to provide accommodation for our soldiers. It’s very critical.”

Nigerian Army announces fresh recruitment, details emerge

Recall that the Nigerian Army announced a recruitment exercise for the 89 Regular Recruit Intake for Trade and Non-Tradesmen and women.

This is as the army advised interested Nigerians to apply for the exercise to apply online and rolled out the basic requirements that applicants need to possess.

Among the requirements are the possession of the NIN, BVN, and must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit, and must be in line with the military guidelines.

Nigerian Army raises concerns over low enlistment rates

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Army raised concerns over low enlistment rates among South-east youths, with Enugu State receiving only 100 applications out of 200 available slots.

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Misconceptions about deployment risks and IPOB’s influence have been linked to the recruitment apathy in the region.

Officials and traditional leaders are urging increased enlightenment and strategic advertising to encourage more youths to join the military.

Source: Legit.ng