The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Direct Short Service Course 29/2026 to transform the Nigerian Army’s expanding manpower into effective combat power through competent leadership, discipline and professionalism.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Jaji, Kaduna State, during his address to the newly commissioned officers after six months of intensive military training.
The COAS said the officers were joining the Army at a critical period of expansion, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the increase of the Army’s divisions from eight to 12 and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, Shaibu said the expansion would require officers to provide the leadership necessary to translate the increased manpower and force structure into improved operational effectiveness.
He warned that a larger military force would not automatically produce better security outcomes without officers capable of making timely and sound decisions in challenging operational environments.
The Army chief urged the newly commissioned officers to lead from the front, earn the confidence of their troops and place mission accomplishment and the welfare of their personnel above personal interests.
“While rank confers authority, it is character, integrity, competence and personal example that inspire confidence and willing followership among troops,” Shaibu said.
He also reminded the officers that their professional specialisations would not exempt them from combat responsibilities, stressing that military service could require them to undertake operational duties whenever the need arose.
The COAS charged them to remain physically fit, sharpen their tactical skills and pursue continuous professional development throughout their careers.
He also urged them to embrace technological developments that are increasingly influencing modern military operations, including unmanned systems, surveillance technologies, intelligence fusion and digital communication systems.
Shaibu further emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
He urged the new officers to develop effective working relationships with the other military services, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
The Army chief said intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and inter-agency cooperation were critical to achieving security objectives and protecting civilians.
He tasked the officers to justify the resources invested in their training through discipline, loyalty, competence and dedicated service to the country.
Shaibu urged them to approach their new responsibilities with courage and professionalism, telling them to focus on finding solutions rather than making excuses.
He said the officers had a responsibility to lead their troops fairly and professionally as the Nigerian Army continued to expand its capacity to confront contemporary and emerging security threats across the country.
