The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged newly commissioned officers of the Direct Short Service Course 29/2026 to remain combat-ready and provide professional leadership. This charge was given during the commissioning ceremony at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground in Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday. The COAS emphasized the importance of operational readiness and decisive leadership as the Nigerian Army expands its manpower and force structure.
The commissioning of the new officers comes at a significant time in the transformation of the Nigerian Army. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers. This expansion places greater responsibility on the officer corps to convert increased manpower into enhanced operational readiness and combat capability. The COAS stressed that increased manpower alone is not enough to guarantee improved security outcomes without competent leadership.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reminded the newly commissioned officers that their role requires them to lead by example and earn the trust of their soldiers. He emphasized that character, integrity, competence, and personal example are essential to inspiring confidence and willing followership among troops. The COAS also urged the officers to prioritize mission accomplishment and troop welfare above personal interests.
The COAS charged the officers to continuously develop their tactical competence, maintain physical fitness, and pursue professional development. He encouraged them to embrace emerging technologies, including unmanned systems, surveillance capabilities, intelligence fusion, and digital communications. This, he believes, will enable them to effectively address Nigeria's complex security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also stressed the importance of joint operations and inter-agency cooperation in addressing the country's security challenges. He urged the officers to maintain effective professional relationships with sister services, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Operational synergy, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action are crucial to achieving mission objectives and protecting civilians.
The commissioning of the DSSC 29/2026 officers followed six months of intensive military training. The new officers have added a new cadre of professionally trained personnel to the Nigerian Army's expanding force. The COAS charged them to justify the nation's investment in their training through competence, discipline, loyalty, and dedicated service.
Lieutenant General Shaibu concluded by urging the officers to accept responsibility, provide solutions rather than excuses, and lead their soldiers with courage, fairness, and professionalism. As the Nigerian Army strengthens its capacity to respond to contemporary and emerging security threats, the COAS expects the new officers to play a crucial role in this endeavor.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army is expanding its manpower and force structure.
- New officers must prioritize mission accomplishment and troop welfare.
- The COAS emphasizes the importance of joint operations and inter-agency cooperation.
