Insecurity: Army chief unveils plan to recruit 24,000 soldiers

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has announced plans to recruit and train 24,000 soldiers in a bid to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity nationwide. Speaking on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 1 Division in Kaduna, Shuaibu explained that the recruitment drive is part of the army’s broader strategy […]

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has announced plans to recruit and train 24,000 soldiers in a bid to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity nationwide.

Speaking on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 1 Division in Kaduna, Shuaibu explained that the recruitment drive is part of the army’s broader strategy to confront evolving security threats and enhance troop readiness 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,” he said.

According to him, the army intends to train 12,000 soldiers within six months from three newly established training facilities. “If we operate two streams, we can produce up to 24,000 soldiers ready for deployment,” he added.

The COAS disclosed that the new centres, approved by President Bola Tinubu, are strategically located to provide recruits with modern warfare skills, tactical operations expertise, and weapon handling proficiency, ensuring they are combat‑ready upon graduation.

He stressed that the initiative is designed not only to increase manpower but also to maintain quality and operational effectiveness. “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,” Shuaibu said.

Highlighting the importance of professional standards, he noted that recruits will undergo training in basic tactics, combat skills, and leadership.

 The effort, he said, would enable the army to provide better coverage of critical areas, respond faster to threats, and improve protection of civilians and national infrastructure.

Shuaibu also reiterated the army’s commitment to its “soldier first” philosophy, promising improved welfare and support programmes for both new and serving personnel. 

He urged senior officers to mentor the incoming recruits, ensuring continuity in discipline, core values, and operational excellence.