Nigerian Army has begun construction of a new training depot at Amasiri-Edda, spanning Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand training capacity and strengthen national security.

The initiative aligns with the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture through inclusive and equitable military development.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and performed by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

Governor Nwifuru thanked President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, for approving the project, describing it as a milestone that would enhance recruitment opportunities and encourage greater participation of youths from Ebonyi State and the wider South-East in military service.

He noted that the presence of the depot would also contribute to peace, security, and socio-economic development, while strengthening civil-military relations with host communities.

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, said the depot reflects the President’s vision of fair distribution of military infrastructure and inclusive national representation.

Fadairo urged youths in the region to take advantage of the facility to fill their recruitment quotas, stressing that equal enlistment opportunities exist for all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

A highlight of the ceremony was the formal handover of land documents by Governor Nwifuru to the Nigerian Army, 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.

With the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda depot, the number of Nigerian Army training depots has risen to three: Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria (1924); Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo (2025); and Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State. (Arise News)

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