As the Army Recruitment 2026 continues, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has hailed the Nigerian Army over four new Army formations in the state, saying it will boost security in the state.
The four new formations will be located in Oyo Town, Kishi, Iseyin and Oriire, as the Nigerian Army urged qualified youths form the state to apply before October 21.
Makinde commended the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for approving four additional military formations in the state, describing the development as a major boost to national defence.
Army Recruitment 2026
Makinde, represented by his Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, spoke on Wednesday at a public sensitisation programme organised for indigenes and stakeholders on the ongoing 92 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) for Tradesmen, Non-Tradesmen and Women.
The programme was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Four New Formations Approved For Oyo
The governor listed the newly-approved formations as a Brigade and Battalion in Oyo town, an Infantry Battalion in Kishi, an Artillery Regiment Battalion in Iseyin and another Battalion in Oriire.
According to Makinde, the formations would not only strengthen security within the state but also provide the Nigerian Army with additional capacity for national defence and military operations.
The governor said the development was particularly significant against the backdrop of recent security challenges, including banditry.
He described the sensitisation campaign as timely, stressing that an organised and identifiable institution such as the Nigerian Army was strategically positioned to confront emerging security threats.
Army Recruitment As Employment Opportunity
Makinde also linked the Army’s recruitment exercise to employment opportunities for young people in the state.
He noted that the Oyo State Government had employed more than 23,000 workers into the civil and public service since 2019, but acknowledged that thousands of qualified youths remained unemployed.
The governor said enlistment in the Nigerian Army could provide young men and women with meaningful employment, professional development and a structured career path.
Makinde Promises Wider Publicity For Recruitment
Makinde assured the gathering that the state government would ensure wide dissemination of information about the recruitment exercise to communities across Oyo State.
He urged qualified indigenes to take advantage of the opportunity and called on stakeholders, community leaders and members of the public to help circulate the recruitment information.
Army Sets October 21 Deadline for Applications
Speaking on the 92 Regular Recruits Intake, the Team Lead, Brigadier General Olusegun Okungbure, said the sensitisation programme was designed to encourage eligible and able-bodied youths across the state to enlist in the Nigerian Army.
Okungbure disclosed that the recruitment exercise commenced on September 9, 2026, and would close on October 21, 2026.
The exercise is open to qualified male and female indigenes of Oyo State. The application process is free, and prospective applicants were advised to use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
Oyo Falls Short of Army Recruitment Quota
Okungbure explained that the latest recruitment drive followed an earlier intervention ordered by the Chief of Army Staff because of the low number of applicants from Oyo State.
Although the intervention resulted in an improvement in applications, he said the state still failed to meet its allotted quota of successful candidates.
Army Urges Youths To See Recruitment As National Service
The Army team lead called on youths across the state’s 33 local government areas to see military service as a noble call to national service rather than merely an avenue for securing employment.
He highlighted several benefits of joining the Nigerian Army, including national integration, foreign exposure, participation in international peacekeeping operations, improved welfare packages and access to world-class medical care.
…Warns Applicants Against Paying Agents
Okungbure urged eligible youths to take the recruitment exercise seriously and complete their applications through the appropriate channel.
He emphasised that the application process was free and advised prospective applicants to use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
Security Adviser Seeks Community Support
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Coordination, Major General Lukman Omoniyi (rtd.), thanked Governor Makinde for his continued support for security agencies in the state.
He urged stakeholders at the event to take the recruitment message back to their respective communities and encourage eligible youths to participate.
Olugbon Appeals For Support For Applicants
Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, appealed to parents to support their wards who were interested in joining the Nigerian Army.
The traditional ruler also urged applicants to comply strictly with the stipulated entry requirements, stressing the need for Oyo State to meet its recruitment quota.
Government Officials, Traditional Rulers In Attendance
The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders and other stakeholders.
Among those present were the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; Commissioner for Energy, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin;
Executive Chairman, OYORUWASSA, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje; Executive Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; and Chairperson of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs. Dotun Olaitan.
Permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders and market leaders also attended the sensitisation programme.
