The Nigerian Army is gearing up for its biggest manpower expansion in recent years, as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled a bold plan to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers to strengthen the fight against insecurity across the country.
During an operational visit to the 1 Division in Kaduna, Gen. Shaibu addressed officers from second lieutenant to brigadier general, explaining that the Army’s vast area of responsibility and the fast-evolving nature of threats demand a much larger and more agile force. He revealed that within the next six months, the Army intends to train 12,000 recruits through three newly-established training facilities — and that number could double if two training streams are run concurrently.
These new training centres, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are designed to produce modern, highly skilled soldiers capable of handling today’s tactical demands. From advanced weapon systems to battlefield strategy, the upcoming recruits will undergo intensive preparation to ensure they are combat-ready the moment they complete their training.
Gen. Shaibu emphasized that the focus isn’t just on numbers but on producing disciplined, well-equipped, and well-trained personnel. He noted that Nigeria is in a critical moment, and the Army needs soldiers who can immediately support operations in various hotspots across the North West and other regions.
He also reiterated the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, promising improved welfare, better support programmes, and strong mentorship for the incoming recruits. During his visit, the COAS engaged officers on logistics, welfare, and ongoing operational upgrades aimed at improving the Army’s ability to respond swiftly to threats.
With this large-scale recruitment drive, the Army expects to significantly boost manpower, expand territorial coverage, strengthen response time, and better protect civilians and national assets as Nigeria continues to tackle escalating security challenges.
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