Waidi Shuaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has unveiled plans to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers as part of a major expansion of the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity amid persistent and evolving security challenges across the country.
Shuaibu announced the initiative on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 1 Division headquarters in Kaduna, where he addressed officers ranging from second lieutenants to captains and lieutenant colonels.
The visit forms part of a nationwide assessment tour aimed at strengthening operational readiness in all theatres of deployment.
The Army chief said the recruitment programme is designed to provide the “boots on the ground” needed to confront Nigeria’s complex security environment.
“The area of responsibility is vast and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground,” he said.
Shuaibu revealed that 12,000 soldiers will be trained within six months through three newly approved training facilities, with the potential to double the output to 24,000 soldiers if the Army runs two training streams.
According to the COAS, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of new training centres strategically positioned to produce soldiers equipped for modern warfare, tactical operations and advanced weapon handling.
He stressed that the training programme will focus not only on increasing manpower but on producing highly skilled personnel capable of immediate deployment.
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“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.
Shuaibu noted that the initiative goes beyond expanding troop numbers, adding that the new recruits will undergo rigorous training in basic tactics, combat skills, discipline, leadership and mission planning to uphold 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” concept, Shuaibu pledged that welfare programmes, support systems and incentives for both new and serving personnel will be expanded to improve morale and boost operational commitment.
He emphasised that adequate welfare remains central to ensuring soldiers remain effective, motivated and mission-ready.