By David Torough, Abuja

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, as part of efforts to strengthen national security and expand the Army’s training capacity nationwide.

The project follows the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s security architecture and promoting inclusive representation within the Armed Forces.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, was performed by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), W Shaibu, for approving the establishment of the training depot in the state.

Nwifuru noted that the facility would enhance recruitment opportunities and encourage greater participation of youths from Ebonyi State and the South-East region in serving the nation through the Nigerian Army. He added that the depot would also contribute significantly to peace, security, and socio-economic development within the state.

Representing the COAS at the event, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Oluremi Fadairo, commended the host communities for their cooperation and support.

He stated that the establishment of the depot aligns with the President’s vision of equitable distribution of military infrastructure and inclusive national representation in the Armed Forces.

Major General Fadairo urged youths in the South-East to take advantage of the opportunity by actively filling their recruitment quotas in the Nigerian Army, stressing that equal opportunities exist for all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the military and host communities in addressing contemporary security challenges, assuring that the Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, would serve as a catalyst for stability, development, and strengthened 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), VU Okoro, followed by the symbolic laying of foundation blocks by the Governor and the COAS representative.

With the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda depot, the total number of Nigerian Army training depots now stands at three: Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria (established in 1924), Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo (established in 2025), and Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State. This development underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while expanding its training infrastructure to meet manpower needs in response to evolving national security demands.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on Nigerian youths to channel their creativity and intellect toward shaping the future of air operations through the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Literary Competition.

The call was made in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the 2025/2026 edition of the competition, which opened on Nov.

He said the initiative, introduced at the instance of the CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, provides a platform for young Nigerians to express ideas and creative interpretations on contemporary security and technology issues aligned with modern airpower needs.

According to him, the competition will feature three categories—Essay, Art and Poetry—under the theme, “Optimising Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Air Operations,” reflecting the NAF’s drive to leverage cutting-edge tools to improve operational effectiveness and prepare for future security challenges.

“Beyond competition, the programme seeks to strengthen civil–military relations, inspire informed youth advocacy and empower participants to see themselves as stakeholders in national development and technological advancement.

“Interested participants are advised to consult the competition flyer for guidelines, eligibility and submission requirements,” he said.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Government on Tuesday honoured serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army for gallantry, leadership, innovation and post-service contributions to national development at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Awards Ceremony in Abuja.

The awards were presented during the AFCRD Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall of the State House on January 13, recognising officers and soldiers whose actions have strengthened national security and community development.

Among the awardees was the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for what organisers described as selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres.

Also receiving the Service and Sacrifice Award were Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, in recognition of their operational leadership and dedication to duty.

Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously honoured with the Gallantry Award for leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, while Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks under intense pressure.

In the area of innovation, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was presented with the Innovation Award for redesigning and deploying a ballistic gunboat that enhanced operations under Operation DELTA SAFE.

Several posthumous and veterans’ honours were also conferred. Late Colonel B Umaru received the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for his role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), was awarded the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for reforms implemented during his tenure and his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin.

Other recipients included Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), who received the Sentinel of Freedom Award; Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd), honoured with the Phoenix Award for resilience despite injuries sustained in action; and several retired officers recognised for entrepreneurship, community service and veterans’ advocacy.

Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba also received the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and post-retirement community development efforts.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour fallen heroes, recognise serving personnel and celebrate veterans whose service continues to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.