In an unprecedented move aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s operational military capacity, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced plans to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers across the country. This major expansion comes at a critical time, as the nation faces persistent challenges from insecurity, terrorism, and armed banditry in several regions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, “The Nigerian Army is set to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers as part of a deliberate effort to boost our operational strength and meet the current security challenges nationwide.” According to the Army Chief, the process will be inclusive, reaching all states, and is designed to “ensure that our operations reflect the demographic diversification and manpower needs required to safeguard every part of Nigeria.”
General Shaibu explained that “the recruitment process will adhere strictly to the principles of transparency, meritocracy, and national integration, with priority given to qualified tradesmen, non-tradesmen, and women who demonstrate commitment to duty and patriotism.” The recruitment forms are available at official channels, and prospective candidates are advised to beware of fraud, as the process is “absolutely free of charge,” he insisted.
The new intake of 24,000 soldiers will undergo rigorous training and will be strategically deployed to combat insecurity, protect lives and property, and support peace-building efforts in Nigeria’s troubled hotspots. “It is our collective duty to defend the nation’s territorial integrity. The Army remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said.
Military experts have praised the move as timely, given reports of overstretched personnel amid rising threats. “This is a game-changer for Nigeria’s security architecture,” said Colonel (rtd) Gbolahan Olorunfemi, a defense analyst. Civil society groups have also welcomed the announcement, urging the Army to complement recruitment with modern equipment and welfare reforms.
The Nigerian Army’s latest recruitment drive sets a new record and signals a strategic approach to tackling the multi-faceted security crises facing the nation. As General Shaibu concluded, “We urge all eligible youths to seize this opportunity to serve their country honorably and courageously.”
