The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has called on newly commissioned officers of the Direct Short Service Course 29/2026 to provide purposeful leadership as the Nigerian Army expands its manpower and operational reach. This was stated by the Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Col Appolonia Anele, in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja. The new officers were commissioned at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Jaji, Kaduna State.
Lt Gen Shaibu noted that the commissioning came at a significant stage in the Nigerian Army's transformation, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval to expand the Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 soldiers. This expansion places greater responsibility on the officer corps to translate increased manpower and an expanded force structure into enhanced operational readiness and combat power.
The Army Chief stressed that increased manpower alone would not guarantee improved security outcomes without competent leadership capable of making sound and timely decisions, particularly under demanding operational conditions. He therefore charged the new officers to lead by example, earn the trust and confidence of their soldiers, and place mission accomplishment and troop welfare above personal interest.
Lt Gen Shaibu reminded the new officers that while rank confers authority, character, integrity, competence and personal example inspire confidence and willing followership among troops. He tasked them to remain combat-ready irrespective of their professional specialisations, stressing that military service may require them to undertake combat and other operational responsibilities whenever duty calls.
The COAS urged the new officers to continually develop their tactical competence, maintain physical fitness and pursue professional development while embracing innovation and emerging technologies. He also underscored the importance of jointness and interagency cooperation in addressing Nigeria's complex security challenges.
Lt Gen Shaibu charged the newly commissioned officers to foster effective professional relationships with sister Services, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other relevant stakeholders. He noted that operational synergy, intelligence sharing and coordinated action remain critical to achieving mission objectives and protecting the civilian population.
The commissioning of officers of DSSC 29/2026 adds a new cadre of professionally trained officers 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, and to leave Jaji prepared to accept responsibility and lead their soldiers with courage, fairness and professionalism.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army is expanding its manpower and operational reach to address evolving national security challenges.
- The Army Chief of Staff has charged new officers to provide purposeful leadership and develop their tactical competence.
- The expansion includes increasing the Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruiting an additional 28,000 soldiers.
