Army Expands Training Capacity as New Depot Takes Off in Ebonyi
The Nigerian Army has commenced the construction of an additional training depot at Amasiri-Edda in Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, marking a significant boost to the nation’s military training infrastructure and national security architecture.
The initiative follows the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at expanding training capacity, ensuring equitable distribution of military infrastructure and strengthening inclusive national representation within the Armed Forces.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, was performed by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Dr (Builder) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The Governor expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the establishment of the training depot in the state.
Governor Nwifuru noted that the facility would enhance recruitment opportunities and encourage greater participation of youths from Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region in serving the nation through the Nigerian Army.
He also highlighted the Army’s enduring contributions to peace, security and socio-economic development within the state.
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Representing the COAS, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, commended the host communities for their cooperation and support.
He stated that the new training depot aligns with the President’s vision of fairness, inclusivity and balanced development across the federation.
Major General Fadairo urged youths from the South-East to seize the opportunity by actively filling their recruitment quotas in the Nigerian Army, stressing that equal enlistment opportunities are available to all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He further emphasized that modern security challenges require strong collaboration between the military and host communities, assuring that the Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, would serve as a catalyst for stability, development and improved civil-military relations in the region.
The ceremony also featured the formal handover of land documents by Governor Nwifuru to the Nigerian Army. The documents were received on behalf of the COAS by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General V. U. Okoro, followed by the symbolic laying of foundation blocks by the Governor and the COAS representative.
With the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, the total number of Nigerian Army training depots now stands at three. These include the pioneer Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, established in 1924; Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, established in 2025; and the newly inaugurated Ebonyi facility.
The development underscores the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives and property while expanding its training infrastructure to meet growing manpower needs in response to evolving national security demands.
