By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has told newly commissioned officers that the Nigerian Army’s planned expansion will mean little without strong leadership capable of turning increased manpower into real combat effectiveness.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, 25 September 2026, while addressing officers of Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, on 25 September 2026.
The COAS said the Army was entering a new phase following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to expand the force from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 soldiers.
But he cautioned that having more soldiers would not automatically translate into better security, placing a greater responsibility on the officers to provide competent and decisive leadership.
Shaibu urged the new officers to lead from the front, earn the confidence of their soldiers and put mission accomplishment and troop welfare ahead of personal interest.
He reminded them that while military rank gives an officer authority, character, integrity, competence and personal example are what make soldiers willing to follow.
The COAS also urged the officers to remain prepared for combat regardless of their areas of specialisation. He tasked them with keeping fit, improving their tactical skills and continuing to learn as the nature of warfare changes.
He specifically encouraged them to embrace technologies such as unmanned systems, surveillance tools, intelligence fusion and digital communications, which are increasingly becoming part of modern military operations.
Shaibu also stressed that the Army could not tackle Nigeria’s security challenges alone. He urged the officers to build strong working relationships with the other Services, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other security stakeholders.
He said effective intelligence sharing and coordinated operations would be critical to protecting civilians and achieving mission objectives.
The officers, who underwent six months of intensive military training before their commissioning, were charged to justify the investment in their training through discipline, competence, loyalty and dedicated service.
Shaibu told them to leave Jaji ready to take responsibility and solve problems rather than make excuses, urging them to lead their soldiers with courage, fairness and professionalism as the Nigerian Army responds to evolving security threats.
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