Nigerian Army Chief commissions housing and addresses force expansion

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, has commissioned 30 family accommodation units at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna. The project, consisting of two housing blocks, aims to improve the living conditions and morale of Nigerian Army personnel and their families as the force expands.

Addressing newly commissioned officers of Direct Short Service Course 29/2026 in Jaji, Kaduna, Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army is expanding from eight to 12 divisions. This expansion, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, includes plans to recruit 28,000 additional soldiers.

Shaibu emphasized that increased manpower must be matched by stronger leadership, tactical competence, and operational readiness. He urged the new officers to provide professional leadership and maintain combat readiness to ensure that the increased force structure translates into effective security outcomes.