According to a presidential statement released on Thursday, July 23, the expansion aimed to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture and improve the armed forces' operational effectiveness as the government worked to address growing security challenges.

Africa's most populous country continued fighting a long-running conflict across its northern regions, where militant groups from the Sahel and non-ideological bandit gangs remained active.

Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in January, declared a nationwide security emergency last November as his administration responded to a wave of mass kidnappings and violence.

Tinubu promised to respond by increasing the number of troops on the ground.

His spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Thursday that Tinubu had approved "the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel", calling it "a landmark move to enhance the country's security architecture".

Onanuga said the new measures also included the purchase of military equipment and improvements to troop welfare.

Local media reported last week that the minimum monthly salary for the lowest-paid soldiers had doubled to 100,000 naira (about $72).

The government had already launched a recruitment campaign for 50,000 police officers.

The violence in Nigeria placed the country under increased international scrutiny, drawing criticism from US President Donald Trump, who said Nigeria's Christians were being persecuted.

The Nigerian government rejected the allegation, insisting that Christians and Muslims were equally victims of the violence.

The Nigerian presidency said Wednesday that Trump had praised Tinubu in a letter for his "decisive leadership" and his resolve "to tackle the issues plaguing Nigeria, especially the violence affecting Christian communities".