Peace Studios

COAS announces recruitment of 24,000 soldiers to boost operational strength

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has announced plans to recruit and train 24,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen the operational capability of the Nigerian Army across the nation.

Lt Gen. Shaibu made the announcement on Wednesday during his operational visit to the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, where he addressed officers, from second lieutenants to captains and lutenant Colonels.

The recruitment drive forms part of the Army’s strategy to address evolving security challenges and enhance the readiness of troops deployed across the country.

“The area of responsibility is vast and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground. In six months, we aim to train 12,000 soldiers from three new training facilities. If we operate two streams, we can produce up to 24,000 soldiers ready for deployment,” he said.

Lt Gen. Shaibu explained that the new training facilities, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are strategically located to produce soldiers who are highly trained in modern warfare, tactical operations, and weapon handling. The aim is to ensure that recruits are operationally ready to face security threats immediately upon completion of their training.

The COAS highlighted that the initiative is not just about increasing numbers but also about quality and operational effectiveness. He emphasized that the new soldiers would be trained in basic tactics, combat skills, and leadership principles to maintain the Army’s professional standards.

“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 also reiterated the Army’s commitment to the “Soldier First” concept, promising expanded welfare and support programs for both newly recruited and existing personnel.

He urged officers to provide mentorship and guidance to the new recruits, ensuring continuity of discipline, core values, and operational excellence.

The recruitment drive is expected to significantly enhance the manpower of the Nigerian Army, enabling more effective coverage of critical areas of operation, rapid response to threats, and improved protection of civilians and national infrastructure.

The COAS’s visit to 1 Division also included engagements with officers on operational logistics, welfare schemes, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Army’s capacity to respond to security challenges across the North West and other theatres of operations.

Goodwill Message To The Distinguished Officers Of The Nigerian Defence Academy 39 Regular Course,

It is with immense pride and deep respect that we stand with you as you approach the landmark of 35 years in military service to our great nation. This is not merely a celebration of time, but of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering devotion to duty.

From the moment you marched out of the NDA as young officers, you embraced the call to defend our sovereignty, uphold our values, and safeguard the lives of countless citizens. Through trials and triumphs, you have demonstrated courage in the face of adversity, unity in the face of challenges, and loyalty in the face of uncertainty.

The journey of 35 years is not one of individuals alone, but of brotherhood — a bond forged in training, tested in service, and strengthened by shared sacrifice. Together, you have carried the banner of the 39 Regular Course with honour, and together you are about to inscribe your names in the history of our Armed Forces as a generation of officers who gave their all for Nigeria.

As you approach the completion of this noble chapter, may you look back with pride, knowing that your service has left indelible footprints of patriotism, leadership, and commitment. And may the years ahead bring you fulfilment, joy, and the honour you so richly deserve.

On behalf of a grateful nation, we say: 39 RC, well done, the nation salutes you all!!

EMBRACE INNOVATION, BE PROACTIVE, DEFENCE MINISTER TELLS AIR WAR COLLEGE GRADUANDS

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, mni, on 24 September 2025, urged graduating officers of the Air War College (AWC) to embrace innovation, foresight, and proactive leadership in tackling the realities of modern conflict. Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Minister reminded members of Air War Course 11/2025 that they are frontline thinkers and doers within Nigeria’s security architecture. He also applauded the College’s role in strengthening regional defence ties with the participation of officers from Cameroon, Botswana, and Morocco.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, charged the graduands to confront terrorism with urgency, stressing that “the task at hand is to ensure that terrorism anywhere is defeated before it undermines peace everywhere.”
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the AWC, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, described the event as the culmination of months of intellectual rigour and professional transformation. The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode mni, also praised the NAF for its dedication to excellence in training and the sacrifice of the Armed Forces in defending the nation.

The ceremony also featured awards presented to outstanding participants, with Cdr PC Onah emerging as both the Overall Best Participant and Best Research Paper awardee, Gp Capt CJ Mbam as Second Best, Wg Cdr EA Okeke as Third Best, and Lt Col PNE Nguoa of Cameroon as Best Allied Participant. The graduation reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to advancing airpower education, fostering international collaboration, and safeguarding national sovereignty.