The Nigerian Army has officially begun the construction of a major new training facility in Ebonyi State. This strategic development marks the establishment of only the third Army Training Depot in the country's history, a move directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinforce national security and expand military training capacity nationwide.
Foundation Laid for Historic Military Facility
On Tuesday, Governor Dr. Francis Nwifuru performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri-Edda. The site is located across the Amasiri-Edda in Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State. During the event, Governor Nwifuru formally handed over the land documents to the Army, a ceremony received by the Chief of Training (Army), Major-General V.U. Okoro, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.
The Governor expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the project. He emphasized that the depot would significantly boost recruitment opportunities, enabling more youths from Ebonyi and the broader South-East geopolitical zone to serve in the Nigerian Army. Nwifuru also pointed out the institution's expected positive impact on local peace, security, and socio-economic growth.
Aligning with National Security and Equity Vision
The Army High Command, represented by the GOC 82 Division Enugu, Major-General Oluremi Fadairo, conveyed the COAS's commendation to the host communities for their cooperation. The establishment of this new depot is framed as a key part of President Tinubu's vision for the equitable distribution of military infrastructure and ensuring inclusive national representation within the Armed Forces.
Lieutenant-General Shaibu stressed that the facility will provide increased enlistment opportunities for South-Eastern youths, allowing them to serve the nation with pride. He urged people from the region to actively take advantage by filling their recruitment quota in the Nigerian Army, noting that equal opportunities are available to all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
A Catalyst for Stability and Development
The Army Chief addressed contemporary security challenges, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration between the military and host communities. He assured that the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, will act as a catalyst for stability, development, and stronger civil-military relations in the region.
According to Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the ceremony included the symbolic laying of foundation blocks by the Governor and the COAS's representative. This new depot joins the pioneer Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, established in 1924, and the second depot in Osogbo, established just last year in 2025.
The project signifies a substantial investment in Nigeria's defence architecture and a concrete step towards decentralizing and modernizing military training facilities across the nation.
