The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has announced plans to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers as part of a wide-ranging effort to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity in response to mounting security challenges nationwide.
Shuaibu disclosed the initiative on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 1 Division headquarters in Kaduna, where he addressed officers from the rank of second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel. The visit forms part of a nationwide assessment tour designed to enhance readiness across all theatres of operation.
Speaking on the need for the expansion, Shuaibu said the Army must increase its manpower significantly to match the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s security threats.
“The area of responsibility is vast and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground,” he stated.
According to him, 12,000 soldiers will be trained within six months through three newly approved training facilities. If the Army runs two training streams, the output could rise to as many as 24,000 soldiers.
Shuaibu revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the establishment of new training centres strategically located to produce soldiers capable of handling modern warfare, advanced weapon systems and tactical operations.
He stressed that the initiative is not only aimed at increasing troop numbers but at producing well-trained personnel ready for immediate deployment.
“This is a desperate time for our nation. The soldiers we train must be ready to tackle the multifaceted security challenges we face. We are committed to ensuring they are properly equipped, trained, and led,” he said.
The COAS explained that the new recruits will undergo rigorous training covering basic tactical skills, combat readiness, discipline, mission planning and leadership development—measures aimed at upholding the Army’s professional standards.
He urged officers to mentor the incoming recruits to ensure continuity in discipline, ethics and operational excellence.
Reaffirming the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, Shuaibu pledged that welfare programmes, support systems and incentives for both new and serving personnel will be expanded to improve morale and strengthen commitment to operational assignments.
He emphasised that adequate welfare remains central to ensuring soldiers remain motivated, effective and mission-ready.
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