The Nigerian Army has announced ambitious plans to expand manpower by recruiting 24,000 new soldiers into the security architecture to tackle compounding threats.
This was made known by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Waidi Shuaibu who said the move would strengthen the Nigerian Army’s response to mounting security challenges.
He made the announcement on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 1 Division headquarters in Kaduna.
This is coming amidst calls for President Tinubu to resign following recent issues including the kidnapping of 25 schoolchildren in Kebbi and the church attack in Kwara State.
Shuaibu said the initiative aims to provide the manpower needed to confront the country’s complex 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 said.
He revealed that 12,000 soldiers will be trained within six months across three newly approved training facilities.
The number could rise to 24,000 if the Army adopts a double training stream.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has approved new training centres designed to produce soldiers skilled in modern warfare, tactical operations and advanced weapon handling.
“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 stressed that the programme goes beyond increasing numbers, noting that recruits will receive rigorous training in tactics, combat skills, discipline, leadership and mission planning.
He urged officers to mentor the incoming personnel to maintain discipline, ethics and operational excellence.
Reaffirming the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, the COAS also pledged expanded welfare systems and incentives for both new and serving soldiers, saying adequate welfare is essential to keeping troops effective, motivated and mission-ready.
