Army Chief Lists Achievements After One Year in Office

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has shared important achievements of the Nigerian Army in his first year in office. He announced plans to expand the army from eight to 12 divisions and to recruit 28,000 more personnel.

In a message posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Wednesday, Shaibu shared this in a goodwill message to officers, soldiers, civilian staff, and their families while reflecting on his first year as the army chief.

He mentioned that the Federal Government’s approval for the expansion and recruitment is a big step toward making the Army stronger in facing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“One of the most significant achievements in the past year is the Federal Government’s approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, along with the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel,” he said.

Shaibu explained that these initiatives will improve territorial coverage, boost operational responsiveness, and enhance the safety of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

“The expansion is intended to strengthen our territorial coverage, improve operational responsiveness, enhance the protection of vulnerable communities and provide greater capacity for sustained security operations across the country,” he stated.

The Army chief said his administration has concentrated on improving operational effectiveness, building institutional capacity, and raising professional standards in line with the army’s constitutional duties.

He highlighted that the Army’s transformation plan is based on five main pillars: Professional Excellence, Strong Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation, and Good Leadership.

Shaibu said these pillars are based on a Soldier-First Culture, which prioritizes the welfare, motivation, dignity, and professional growth of personnel.

He praised officers and soldiers working in various operational areas, especially those fighting terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security issues.

“I particularly commend our gallant officers and soldiers serving in the various operational theatres, especially those engaged in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other threats to our national security,” he said.

He also honored personnel who lost their lives serving the country and encouraged injured soldiers who are recovering.

“I acknowledge with profound respect the sacrifices of personnel who have paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland and honour their memory. To our wounded personnel and those undergoing recovery, I offer my sincere appreciation and encouragement,” he added.

The Army chief urged personnel to keep professionalism, respect human rights, and follow the rules of engagement while doing their work.

On welfare, Shaibu revealed that 489 two-bedroom flats and 192 three-bedroom flats have been given to personnel under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme.

He mentioned that more accommodation projects are in progress, and existing facilities in military barracks are being renovated to meet housing needs.

“In this regard, over 489 units of two-bedroom flats and 192 units of three-bedroom flats have been delivered to personnel under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme,” he said.

“Furthermore, additional accommodation are being constructed and renovated across our barracks to address the quartering needs of our personnel.”

Shaibu also recognized the efforts of military families, especially spouses and children, noting that their sacrifices help support personnel through deployments and frequent moves.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting families of fallen personnel and improving the welfare of current officers and soldiers.

“The welfare of our personnel and their families remains a command responsibility,” he said, urging commanders at all levels to prioritize the well-being of their personnel.

The Army chief expressed trust in the service’s ability to tackle current security challenges and meet Nigerians’ expectations.

He urged personnel to build on the successes of the past year while focusing on areas that need improvement.

“Together, we shall consolidate our gains and advance the transformation of our Army into a more capable, resilient and technologically enabled force,” Shaibu said.