Insecurity: COAS announces massive recruitment into Nigerian Army

Amid rising security concerns across the country, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled plans to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers to bolster the strength and effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu disclosed this on Wednesday during a strategic visit to the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. While addressing officers from the ranks of second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel, he emphasized the urgent need to expand the army’s manpower in order to better confront the nation’s security threats.

He explained that the new recruitment drive is part of a wider effort to boost the Army’s manpower and readiness in response to evolving threats nationwide.

According to him, the vast area of responsibility and the increasingly dynamic nature of insecurity make it necessary to deploy more personnel to critical locations.

He said, “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.”

Lt. Gen. Shaibu further explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new training centres strategically located to ensure the effective production of highly skilled soldiers.

These centres are expected to train personnel in modern warfare techniques, tactical operations, and advanced weapon handling.

He emphasised that the initiative is not only aimed at increasing troop numbers but also at improving quality and efficiency.

The new recruits will be trained in core military tactics, combat proficiency, and leadership skills to ensure they uphold the Army’s professional standards.