COAS urges new officers to stay combat-ready

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has urged newly commissioned officers from the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026 to remain combat-ready and provide professional leadership. Shaibu addressed the officers at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground in Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday, emphasizing the significance of their commissioning as part of the Nigerian Army's transformation following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for expanding the Army to 12 divisions and recruiting an additional 28,000 soldiers.

The COAS emphasized that increased manpower without competent leadership would not improve operational readiness and combat capability. Shaibu charged the officers to lead by example, earn the trust of their soldiers, and prioritize mission accomplishment and troop welfare over personal interests. He stressed the importance of remaining combat-ready, developing tactical competence, maintaining physical fitness, and embracing emerging technologies.

Shaibu also urged the officers to maintain effective professional relationships with various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organizations, and other relevant parties. He highlighted the importance of joint operations and inter-agency cooperation in addressing Nigeria's complex security challenges.

Shaibu charged the officers to demonstrate competence, discipline, loyalty, and dedicated service to justify the nation's investment in their training.