By Erewunmi Peace

On 19 November 2025, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), unveiled a major recruitment roadmap for the Nigerian Army, targeting 24,000 new soldiers.

Speaking during an operational visit to the 1st Division in Kaduna, Gen. Shaibu said that three newly approved training facilities will begin producing 12,000 soldiers in the first six months. By running two parallel training streams, the Army aims to double that number.

“These are dynamic times for our nation,” Gen. Shaibu said, underlining the urgency of increasing troop numbers to match the scale and complexity of current security challenges.

The Army chief added that the recruitment is not just about quantity: the new facilities will train recruits in modern warfare tactics, advanced weapon handling, and leadership, ensuring they are “battle-ready” upon graduation.

Gen. Shaibu also reaffirmed the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, assuring enhanced welfare, better accommodation, and mentorship for both new recruits and current personnel.

The new training centers — reportedly backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — are part of a broader strategy to bolster the operational strength and readiness of the Nigerian Army.

Observers see this recruitment plan as a response to increased insecurity across the country, but analysts note that more transparency is needed on how the recruitment will be conducted (eligibility, application process, deployment plans).