Army to expand depots, reform training to boost combat readiness — COAS
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, has announced plans to expand Nigerian Army training depots and reform training curricula to strengthen manpower quality and enhance combat readiness amid Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
Shaibu disclosed this on Saturday while delivering his remarks at the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.
He said the current threat landscape confronting the country had underscored the need for increased recruitment to boost manpower strength, but stressed that quantity without quality would undermine strategic objectives.
“An increase in manpower without a corresponding improvement in quality will negate our strategic goals,” the COAS said.
He announced that, in addition to the existing Depot Nigerian Army Zaria and Depot Nigerian Army Nshobo, the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army, Abakaliki, would commence operations soon to further expand training capacity.
According to him, the training curriculum across all depots would be modified and streamlined to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, fieldcraft and other mission-critical soldiering skills required to produce effective and result-oriented troops.
Shaibu said the reforms were part of his command philosophy aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.
He emphasised that the philosophy was anchored on a soldier-centric culture, recognising soldiers as the core and enduring strength of the Army.
“Our soldiers remain the heart of the Nigerian Army. Their training, welfare and morale will remain my utmost priority,” he said.
The COAS assured the newly passed-out soldiers that necessary measures had been put in place to cater for their welfare and well-being both in and out of service, while warning that the nation would equally demand discipline, commitment and professionalism from them.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. You will receive all required support, but the Nigerian Army and the nation will demand much from you,” he said.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army, which he said had contributed to recent operational successes.
He thanked Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun for personally attending the parade and commended the government and people of the state for hosting the depot and supporting the Army.
The COAS also acknowledged the presence of former senior military officers, principal staff officers from service headquarters, commandants and heads of military institutions, as well as families of the recruits, whom he thanked for their support and sacrifices.
He congratulated the soldiers on the successful completion of their training and wished them fulfilling and distinguished careers in the Nigerian Army.
He urged the new soldiers to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, including discipline, loyalty, professionalism and patriotism, as they assume their roles in safeguarding national security.
The COAS commended the Commandant, staff and instructors of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, for working assiduously under challenging conditions to produce well-trained soldiers, assuring them of continued support from Army Headquarters.
The parade was attended by senior military officers, principal staff officers from Army Headquarters, serving and retired officers, traditional rulers, government officials, families of the recruits and members of the press.
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