The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026 to remain combat-ready and provide professional leadership as the Nigerian Army expands its manpower and operational structure.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday while addressing the officers at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) Parade Ground in Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Army Chief said the commissioning came at a significant period in the transformation of the Nigerian Army, following approval for the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers.
He said the expansion had increased the responsibility of officers to translate the additional manpower and enlarged force structure into improved operational readiness and combat effectiveness.
According to him, having more personnel alone would not guarantee better security outcomes without competent officers capable of making timely and sound decisions, especially in challenging operational environments.
Shaibu urged the newly commissioned officers to lead by example, earn the confidence of their troops and place mission accomplishment and troop welfare above personal interests.
He also reminded them that military rank comes with authority, but character, integrity, competence and personal example are essential to building trust and effective followership.
The COAS further directed the officers to remain combat-ready irrespective of their areas of specialisation. He encouraged them to continuously improve their tactical skills, maintain physical fitness and pursue professional development.
He also highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies, including unmanned systems, surveillance, intelligence fusion and digital communications, in modern military operations.
Shaibu stressed the need for stronger cooperation among the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other security stakeholders.
He said effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated action were critical to achieving operational objectives and protecting civilians.
The DSSC 29/2026 officers underwent six months of intensive military training before their commissioning, adding a new group of professionally trained officers to the Nigerian Army’s expanding force.
The Army Chief urged the officers to justify the nation’s investment in their training through discipline, competence, loyalty and dedicated service, while charging them to accept responsibility and lead their troops with courage, fairness and professionalism.
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