COAS urges new officers to stay combat-ready - Punch Newspapers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29/2026 to maintain operational readiness and provide professional and decisive leadership as the Nigerian Army expands its manpower and force structure. Shaibu gave the charge on Friday, while addressing the officers at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Parade Ground, Jaji, Kaduna State. The COAS said the commissioning came at a significant stage in the transformation of the Nigerian Army 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. He said the expansion placed greater responsibility on the officer corps to convert increased manpower and an expanded force structure into enhanced operational readiness and combat capability. According to him, increased manpower alone would not guarantee improved security outcomes without competent leadership capable of making sound and timely decisions, particularly under demanding operational conditions.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google Shaibu therefore urged the newly commissioned officers to lead by example, earn the trust of their soldiers and place mission accomplishment and troop welfare above personal interests. He reminded them that while rank confers authority, character, integrity, competence and personal example were essential to inspiring confidence and willing followership among troops. The COAS also charged the officers to remain combat-ready regardless of their professional specialisations, noting that military service could require them to undertake combat and other operational responsibilities whenever duty called. Otti backs fuel subsidy removal, says return would hurt Nigeria Why I’m supporting Tinubu — Alex Otti Only God, Tinubu know what will happen in 2027 – Galadima He urged them to continuously develop their tactical competence, maintain physical fitness and pursue professional development while embracing emerging technologies, including unmanned systems, surveillance capabilities, intelligence fusion and digital communications. Shaibu further stressed the importance of joint operations and inter-agency cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges. He urged the officers to maintain effective professional relationships with sister services, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other relevant stakeholders. The Army Chief said operational synergy, intelligence sharing and coordinated action remained important to achieving mission objectives and protecting civilians. The commissioning of the DSSC 29/2026 officers followed six months of intensive military training and added a new cadre of professionally trained officers to the Nigerian Army’s expanding force. Shaibu charged the officers to justify the nation’s investment in their training through competence, discipline, loyalty and dedicated service. He urged them to leave Jaji prepared to accept responsibility, provide solutions rather than excuses, and lead their soldiers with courage, fairness and professionalism as the Nigerian Army strengthens its capacity to respond to contemporary and emerging security threats. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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