The Nigerian Army has unveiled an ambitious plan to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers as part of renewed efforts to confront the escalating security challenges across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the announcement on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, where he addressed officers from the rank of second lieutenant to brigadier general.
Gen. Shaibu explained that the large-scale recruitment drive forms part of a broader strategy to expand troop numbers and enhance operational readiness in various theatres of conflict nationwide. He emphasized the urgent need for increased manpower to effectively counter the evolving threats confronting the nation.
According to him, the Army aims to train 12,000 soldiers within six months from three newly approved training facilities, with the capacity to double output to 24,000 personnel if run in two streams. These facilities, he noted, were approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and are strategically designed to deliver modern military training.
“The area of responsibility is vast, and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground,” the COAS stated. “If we operate two streams, we can produce up to 24,000 soldiers ready for deployment.”
He further highlighted that the new recruits will undergo intensive training in modern warfare, tactical operations, leadership, and advanced weapon handling to ensure they are battle-ready upon completion.
Gen. Shaibu also reiterated the Army’s commitment to its “Soldier First” philosophy, assuring enhanced welfare provisions and improved support systems for both incoming and serving personnel. He urged senior officers to mentor the new recruits and uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.
During the visit, the Army Chief held discussions with field officers on operational logistics, personnel welfare, and ongoing strategies to boost the Army’s capacity to respond to security threats across the North West and other regions.