Army breaks ground on new training depot in Ebonyi, boosting Southeast recruitment
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian Army has launched construction of a new training depot in Amasiri-Edda, spanning Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas in Ebonyi State.
Colonel Apollonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the move in a statement on Wednesday.
The project follows directives from President Bola Tinubu to bolster national security and expand military training capacity nationwide.
Ebonyi State Governor Dr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru led the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
He handed over land documents to the Army, received by Chief of Training (Army) Major General VU Okoro, and laid the symbolic foundation blocks alongside Major General Oluremi Fadairo, representing Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. W. Shaibu.
In his remarks, Governor Nwifuru praised the federal leadership, “I express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu, for approving the establishment of the training depot in Ebonyi State.”
He added that the facility would “enhance recruitment opportunities and promote increased participation of youths from Ebonyi State and the South-East region in serving their fatherland through the Nigerian Army,” while contributing to peace, security, and socio-economic growth.
Major General Fadairo, General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force South-East (Operation UDO KA), commended host communities for their support.
“The establishment of the additional training depot aligns with the vision of the President and Commander-in-Chief to ensure equitable distribution of military infrastructure and inclusive national representation within the Armed Forces,” he said.
He urged Southeast youths to seize enlistment chances, “Leverage the opportunity by actively filling your recruitment quota in the Nigerian Army,” emphasising collaboration amid security challenges.
This depot marks the third Nigerian Army training facility, joining the pioneer Depot in Zaria (est. 1924) and the Osogbo Depot (est. 2025).
