[REVISION HISTORY]

Nigerian Army security leadership and expansion

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2026-10-25 00:51 UTC → 2026-10-28 16:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff, has called for senior officers to adopt strategic leadership and innovative thinking to address a complex security landscape involving terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and cyber threats. Shaibu has emphasized the ‘PROSE’ philosophy—Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation, and Exemplary Leadership—to guide the force toward more agile, offensive operations. To address these challenges, Shaibu announced a significant expansion of the Nigerian Army, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which increases the number of divisions from eight to 12 and includes the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers. This expansion is intended to protect critical infrastructure and foster the ‘Orange Economy’ by creating a secure environment for arts, culture, and digital sectors. The Centre for Public Integrity (CPI) has commended Shaibu for advancements in military operations and civil-military relations, noting that intensified operations in the North-East and North-West have dismantled criminal enclaves. Shaibu has also prioritized personnel welfare and legal compliance. He recently commissioned 30 family accommodation units at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna and directed military legal officers to prioritize civilian protection and international humanitarian law. On October 17, 2026, following a directive from President Tinubu to rescue all abducted Nigerians and eliminate terrorist camps, Shaibu visited the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri. This mission follows public pressure regarding the May 2026 abduction of 78 school children. During the visit, Shaibu urged troops to maintain professionalism ahead of the 2027 general elections and pledged improved medical support and combat equipment. Marking his first year as Chief of Army Staff, Shaibu has continued to advocate for multi-domain integration and inter-agency intelligence sharing. He has also expanded his focus to domestic defense, calling for private sector investment in indigenous manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign imports.

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