Army To Boost Manpower Training As Ebonyi Army Depot Nears Full Operation
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, as national efforts to strengthen internal security and manpower development intensify.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the assurance on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while receiving the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who paid a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS commended the Ebonyi State Government for its sustained cooperation with the Nigerian Army, noting that the completion of the newly established Nigerian Army Depot in Ebonyi State would significantly boost manpower training, capacity development and overall operational effectiveness.
He disclosed that the passing-out ceremony of recruits trained at the depot would be held in Abakaliki, underscoring the growing strategic importance of Ebonyi State to the Nigerian Army’s training architecture.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the Governor to sustain public sensitisation efforts, particularly by encouraging citizens to support the Army with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to addressing security challenges nationwide.
He also called on the Ebonyi State Government to motivate eligible youths to enlist in the Nigerian Army, noting that increased youth participation would further strengthen national security. The COAS appealed for this advocacy to be extended to other governors across the South-East to promote broader regional participation in military service.
Governor Nwifuru Commends Nigerian Army
In his remarks, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained support to internal security operations in Ebonyi State.
He described the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in the state as a strategic intervention that has strengthened security and enhanced operational readiness.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, noting that Ebonyi State has remained free from incidents of kidnapping and sit-at-home disruptions.
According to him, the prevailing peace and stability in the state are a direct result of the proactive and professional conduct of Nigerian Army personnel.
Governor Nwifuru further appealed for the completion of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Abakaliki, noting that the facility would serve not only Ebonyi State but also neighbouring states across the South-East and South-South regions.
He reiterated his administration’s readiness to deepen partnership with the Nigerian Army in the collective pursuit of sustained peace, security and development.
