By Elizabeth Tanko
Kaduna, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled a new leadership doctrine aimed at converting the Nigerian Army’s expanded manpower into superior combat power.
General Shaibu disclosed the doctrine on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Jaji, Kaduna State, while commissioning officers of Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026.
The commissioning comes as the Nigerian Army embarks on its most significant expansion in decades, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the force to grow from 8 to 12 Divisions with an additional 28,000 soldiers to address evolving national security challenges.
Addressing the new officers, the COAS said increased numbers alone would not guarantee victory without competent leadership.
“Increased manpower alone will not guarantee improved security outcomes without competent leadership capable of making sound and timely decisions, particularly under demanding operational conditions,” he said.
He charged them to provide purposeful, professional and decisive leadership that will translate the expanded force structure into enhanced operational readiness, effectiveness and combat power.
“Lead by example, earn the trust and confidence of your soldiers, and place mission accomplishment and troops’ welfare above personal interest. While rank confers authority, it is character, integrity, competence and personal example that inspire confidence and willing followership,” he stated.
The Army Chief also tasked the officers to remain combat-ready irrespective of their specialisations, maintain physical fitness, deepen tactical competence and embrace emerging technologies including unmanned systems, surveillance capabilities, intelligence fusion and digital communications.
He further stressed jointness and interagency cooperation, urging them to build strong professional relationships with sister Services, the Nigeria Police, intelligence agencies and paramilitary organisations, noting that synergy and intelligence sharing remain critical to mission success.
The new officers are joining the force after six months of intensive military training at Jaji.
In a statement issued after the ceremony, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the commissioning adds a new cadre of professionally trained officers to the Army’s expanding force and underscores the COAS’s commitment to quality leadership as the bedrock of the expansion.
According to Colonel Anele, “The commissioning of officers of DSSC 29/2026 adds a new cadre of professionally trained officers to the Nigerian Army’s expanding force.
The COAS charged them to justify the nation’s investment in their training through competence, discipline, loyalty and dedicated service as “the Nigerian Army continues to strengthen its capacity to confront contemporary and emerging security threats.”
The statement added that the COAS urged the officers to leave Jaji prepared to accept responsibility and provide solutions rather than excuses in defence of the nation.
