Nigeria approves recruitment of 28,000 soldiers to tackle rising insecurity

News Nigeria approves recruitment of 28,000 soldiers to tackle rising insecurity Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attends the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Nigeria Navy at the Eko Atlantic waterfront in Lagos, Nigeria. Monday, June 1, 2026.   -   Copyright © africanews AP Photo By Rédaction Africanews with AFP Last updated: 24/07 - 17:31 Nigeria Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the recruitment of 28,000 military personnel to "strengthen national security", as the country battles a myriad of conflicts. Africa's most populous country is fighting a long-running conflict across its northern regions, complicated by inroads made by militants from the Sahel, and non-ideological "bandit" gangs. Tinubu, up for re-election in January, declared a nationwide security emergency last November as his administration scrambled to respond to a wave of mass kidnappings and violence. He promised to respond by putting more boots on the ground. His spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Thursday that Tinubu had approved "the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel", calling it "a landmark move to enhance the country's security architecture". He said the new measures would also see the purchasing of equipment and improvement in troop welfare. Local media reported last week that the minimum wage for soldiers had been doubled to 100,000 naira ($72) a month for the lowest paid troops. The government has already launched a recruitment drive for 50,000 police. The violence in Nigeria has placed the country under increased international scrutiny, drawing criticism from US President Donald Trump who said Nigeria's Christians were being persecuted. The Nigerian government has rejected the claim, insisting that Christians and Muslims were equally the victims of the violence. On Wednesday, the Nigerian presidency said Trump had praised Tinubu in a letter for his "decisive leadership" and his resolve "to tackle the issues plaguing Nigeria, especially the violence affecting Christian communities". Related articles 01:32 Tinubu doubles down on reforms as 2027 race begins 25/05 - 09:53 01:04 Nigeria's President Tinubu to run for re-election after clinching party nomination 24/05 - 19:01 01:38 Nigeria: Bola Tinubu expected in Jos after deadly gun attack and mob violence 02/04 - 16:03 From the same country 02:18 Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria 28/08 - 14:29 Nigeria orders manhunt after deadly mass kidnapping 26/08 - 10:23 01:40 Thousands gather in Lagos Nigeria to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birth 26/08 - 10:24 View more Share More About Bola Ahmed Tinubu Recruitment Military Related articles 01:32 Tinubu doubles down on reforms as 2027 race begins 25/05 - 09:53 01:04 Nigeria's President Tinubu to run for re-election after clinching party nomination 24/05 - 19:01 01:38 Nigeria: Bola Tinubu expected in Jos after deadly gun attack and mob violence 02/04 - 16:03 From the same country 02:18 Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria 28/08 - 14:29 Nigeria orders manhunt after deadly mass kidnapping 26/08 - 10:23 01:40 Thousands gather in Lagos Nigeria to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birth 26/08 - 10:24 On the same subject NEWS 01:18 Nigeria election 2027: Can Tinubu win a second term as cost of living bites? 19/08 - 14:23 NEWS 01:09 China and Egypt launch second joint air force exercise 14/08 - 18:08 NEWS 01:45 Nigeria: Mass wedding sees 1,500 couples tie the knot in Kano State 09/08 - 09:40 NEWS 02:08 Freed hostages in Nigeria describe their ordeal during captivity 08/08 - 14:05 NEWS 01:01 Nigeria: More than 300 kidnapping victims rescued in major operation 06/08 - 08:13 NEWS 00:51 Guinea-Bissau junta releases opposition leader after court orders medical treatment 24/07 - 10:23 More stories 01:25 General Abdourahamane Tchiani Calm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago 01:02 Coup Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago 00:56 United Kingdom Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours ago