By Mohammad Tijjani
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly inaugurated officers of the Nigerian Army to demonstrate courage, competence, discipline and sound judgment in their duties.
Shaibu gave the charge on Friday at the passing-out parade of 183 cadets of the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
The COAS said the six-month intensive military training had transformed the cadets from professionals in diverse fields into officers prepared to assume leadership responsibilities in the Nigerian Army.
He said the officers were being commissioned at a time when Nigeria was confronted with complex and evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, separatist violence and other forms of criminality.
According to him, the changing nature of security threats requires officers who are adaptable, intellectually agile, professionally competent and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.
“Although you have been commissioned as Direct Short Service Commission officers, you must understand that military service may require you to undertake combat and other operational roles beyond your primary professional specialisation,” he said.
Shaibu urged the officers to sustain their combat skills, physical fitness and tactical competence throughout their careers, stressing that every Army officer must remain prepared to defend the nation whenever called upon.
He reminded them that their professional qualifications and experiences remained valuable, but must henceforth be applied within the ethos and demands of military service.
The COAS also charged the officers to distinguish between rank and leadership, noting that while rank conferred authority, character, integrity, competence and personal example earned the trust of soldiers.
He urged them to lead from the front, prioritise the welfare of their troops, enforce standards and treat personnel with dignity and fairness.
“Be firm without being arrogant, compassionate without compromising standards and confident without being reckless.
“Your soldiers may obey you because of your rank, but they will only follow you willingly when they trust your leadership,” he said.
Shaibu said the Federal Government’s approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of additional 28,000 soldiers, placed greater responsibility on officers to justify the nation’s investment in the force.
He advised the young officers to take initiative within the limits of their responsibilities, accept accountability for their actions and seek guidance when necessary.
The COAS further urged them to embrace continuous learning and emerging military technologies, including unmanned systems, surveillance technologies, intelligence fusion and digital communications.
He stressed the importance of joint operations, urging the officers to build professional relationships with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and other stakeholders.
Shaibu said synergy among the services, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders was essential to achieving national security objectives and protecting civilians.
He congratulated the 183 officers and their families for the successful completion of the six-month training, while commending the commanders, instructors and staff of NASI for preparing them for the responsibilities ahead.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu , for his strategic guidance and continued support to the Nigerian Army.
He said the President’s approval for the expansion of the Army’s force structure and development of a comprehensive national threat assessment and strategic defence operation plan demonstrated commitment to building a more responsive and future-ready security architecture.
Shaibu urged the newly commissioned officers to remain humble in success, learn from their mistakes and draw from the experiences of their superiors and subordinates.
He reminded them that the passing-out ceremony marked the beginning, rather than the end, of their professional journey.
“This is where the real test begins. You will meet soldiers who will look up to you for leadership long before you believe you have acquired enough experience to lead them.
“Be the officers who accept responsibilities and find solutions rather than excuses. Place the mission and welfare of your soldiers above personal interests,” he said.
He urged them to earn the trust of those they lead, the confidence of their commanders and the respect of Nigerians they had sworn to serve.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 183 cadets successfully completed the six-month Direct Short Service Commission Course 29/2026 before their commissioning into the Nigerian Army Officers’ Corps.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
Comments