By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has revealed intentions to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers. This initiative aims to enhance the operational strength of the Nigerian Army nationwide.
On Wednesday, Lt Gen. Shaibu shared this update during his visit to the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. There, he spoke to officers ranging from second lieutenants to captains and lieutenant colonels.
The recruitment effort is a key component of the Army’s plan to tackle new security threats and boost the preparedness of forces stationed nationwide.
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.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu clarified that the newly approved training centers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strategically positioned to produce soldiers equipped with advanced skills in modern warfare, tactical maneuvers, and weapon proficiency.
The Chief of Army Staff underscored that the initiative aims not only to boost numbers but also to enhance quality and operational efficiency. He stressed that the new soldiers would undergo training in fundamental tactics, combat abilities, and leadership principles to uphold the Army’s professional standards.
