Nigerian Army begins construction of new training depot in Ebonyi State

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 expansion of its training infrastructure aimed at strengthening national security and boosting youth participation in military service.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and was performed by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The project follows the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to expand the Army’s training capacity and ensure a more equitable distribution of military institutions across the country.

Speaking at the event, Governor Nwifuru expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, for approving the establishment of the training depot in Ebonyi State. He said the facility would create new recruitment opportunities for youths from Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region, while also contributing to peace, security, and socio-economic development within the state.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, 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 noted that the new depot aligns with the President’s vision of inclusive national representation and balanced military infrastructure development across the federation.

Major General Fadairo urged youths from the South-East to take advantage of the new opportunity by actively filling their recruitment quotas in the Nigerian Army. He emphasized that equal opportunities exist for all states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that modern security challenges require strong collaboration between the military and host communities. According to him, the Amasiri-Edda Training Depot is expected to promote stability, foster development, and strengthen 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 Chief of Army Staff by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General V. U. Okoro. This was followed by the symbolic laying of foundation blocks by the governor and the Army leadership.

With the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda depot, the number of Nigerian Army training depots has increased to three. The pioneer Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria was established in 1924, followed by the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo in 2025, and now the Ebonyi State facility in 2026. The expansion underscores the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property while meeting manpower demands amid evolving national security challenges.