The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said the strategic expansion of the Nigerian Army through the establishment of new brigades, formations and units, alongside the recruitment of thousands of additional soldiers, will strengthen the Army’s operational capacity and improve its response to the nation’s security challenges.
Shaibu stated this on Sunday while delivering a goodwill message to officers and soldiers during the interdenominational church service marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, at the All Saints Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
Represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General W.N. Dangana, the COAS said the expansion aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.
“In furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the nation’s security challenges, the Nigerian Army has witnessed a significant increase in recruitment as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are committed to ensuring that these young Nigerians are adequately trained, properly equipped and professionally developed to meet the demands of military service and contribute meaningfully to national security,” he said.
According to him, troops remain actively engaged in operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities across the country.
“Despite the complexity of these security challenges, the Nigerian Army has continued to record notable achievements across various theatres of operation.
“Through the dedication, courage and professionalism of our officers and soldiers, several criminal elements have been neutralised, terrorist enclaves dismantled, hostages rescued and normalcy restored to affected communities.
“These successes have been achieved through the collective efforts of our personnel working in collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders,” he added.
Commending officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline and commitment, Shaibu said his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
“As Chief of Army Staff, my command philosophy, which aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its responsibilities within a joint multi-agency environment, places a premium on leadership, professionalism, operational effectiveness and the welfare of our personnel.
“Central to this philosophy is the ‘Soldier First’ culture, which recognises that our personnel remain the Nigerian Army’s most valuable asset.
“Accordingly, we have continued to prioritise troop welfare by improving accommodation, healthcare services, training opportunities, educational support and other welfare initiatives.
“We remain committed to creating an environment where every officer and soldier can serve with dignity, confidence and pride while their families receive the support they deserve,” he said.
