Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026 to provide purposeful, professional and decisive leadership as the Nigerian Army expands its manpower, force structure and operational reach.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, September 25, 2026, while addressing the officers at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground in Jaji, Kaduna State. He said their commissioning comes at a significant stage in the Army’s transformation following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of an additional 28,000 soldiers.
The COAS said the expansion places greater responsibility on the officer corps to translate increased manpower and an expanded force structure into improved operational readiness, effectiveness and combat power. He stressed that increased manpower alone would not guarantee better security outcomes without competent leadership capable of making sound and timely decisions in demanding operational conditions.
Shaibu urged the new officers to lead by example, earn the trust and confidence of their soldiers, and put mission accomplishment and troop welfare ahead of personal interest. He also reminded them that while military rank gives authority, character, integrity, competence and personal example are what inspire confidence and willing followership among troops.
Daily Times
