COAS duties inaugurated 183 DSSC officers on leadership, professionalism – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged the newly inducted officers of the Nigerian Army to demonstrate courage, competence, discipline and good judgment in the discharge of their duties.

Shaibu gave the charge on Friday at the passing out parade of 183 cadets of the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Class 29/2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

The COAS said the six-month intensive military training transformed the cadets from professionals in different fields into officers ready to assume leadership responsibilities in the Nigerian Army.

He said the officers were commissioned at a time when Nigeria was facing 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 officials who are adaptable, intellectually agile, professionally competent and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.

“Although you have been commissioned as a short-term Direct Service Commission officer, you should understand that military service may require you to undertake combat and other operational roles beyond your primary occupational specialization,” he said.

Shaibu urged officers to maintain their combat skills, physical fitness and tactical proficiency throughout their careers, stressing that every army officer must remain ready to defend the nation whenever called upon.

He reminded them that their professional qualifications and experience remain valuable, but must henceforth be applied within the ethics and demands of military service.

The COAS also instructed officers to distinguish between rank and leadership, emphasizing that while rank conferred authority, character, integrity, competence and personal example earned Soldiers’ trust.

He urged them to lead from the front, prioritize the well-being 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