COAS announces presidential approval for new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to expand manpower and enhance operational readiness nationwide.
Lieutenant General Shaibu made the announcement during the passing out parade of 3,439 recruitsat Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, emphasizing that the new depot is a strategic initiative to ensure a continuous supply of well-trained soldiers for deployment across the country.
“The approval for the new Depot in Abakaliki is part of our plan to increase the number of trained personnel available for national service and security operations. It will complement existing depots and enhance the Army’s capacity to address evolving security challenges,” he said.
The COAS noted that the new facility would provide specialist and mission-oriented training, with a focus on marksmanship, fieldcraft, and combat readiness, aimed at producing disciplined, professional, and operationally capable soldiers.
Lieutenant General Shaibu added that the new depot aligns with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing reforms to modernize training curricula, improve welfare for recruits, and strengthen the institutional capability of the Army to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He also commended President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, describing the presidential approval as a major milestone in boosting the country’s defence infrastructure.
The COAS said the new depot in Abakaliki is expected to come on stream in due course and will play a key role in complementing the existing depots at Zaria, Osogbo, and other training facilities across the country.
“This establishment of this depot is geared toward increasing the strength of the Nigerian army. The reasons are not far fetch, there are security challenges across the length and breath of the country.
Now with this additional 3,439 coming on board as well as next week we will have another 3,500 coming on board from Oshogbo, they will be giving advance infantry training before their deployment to the various Theartre’s of Operation.
