By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s Army leadership is looking beyond active deployments and into its deep reservoir of retired and serving veterans as it sharpens its response to national security and cohesion challenges.
At the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged members of the 38 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to remain united, inclusive and actively engaged in national service long after formal command postings end.
Receiving the Executive Committee of the 38 Regular Course Association, led by retired Rear Admiral Samuel Agada, Shaibu framed the engagement as a call to collective responsibility one that stretches across institutions, generations and civilian–military boundaries.
Congratulating the newly elected executives, the Army Chief stressed that cohesion within the Association is critical to its relevance and impact.
“Unity and inclusiveness are not ceremonial values,” Shaibu told the delegation. “They are strategic assets in advancing your objectives and contributing meaningfully to national development.”
He urged the officers many of whom now operate across government, business and civil society to deploy their experience and influence in collaboration with ministries and other stakeholders tackling Nigeria’s complex security and development challenges.
Shaibu also used the occasion to provide insight into ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Army, describing a force in transition.
According to him, efforts are being intensified to boost operational effectiveness, deepen professionalism and improve troop welfare across formations.
He revealed that plans are underway to expand the Army’s manpower and establish additional depots moves aimed at strengthening logistics, responsiveness and nationwide reach.
The reforms, he said, are designed to ensure the Army remains agile and capable in an evolving security environment.
The meeting took on a reflective tone as the COAS paid tribute to deceased members of the 38 Regular Course, describing them as officers of exceptional character whose service and sacrifices helped preserve national unity and stability.
Their legacy, he said, should inspire continued service even outside the uniform.
For the Army leadership, the message was clear: military service does not end at retirement; it evolves into mentorship, advocacy and nation-building.
Earlier, the President of the Association, Rear Admiral Samuel Agada (rtd), thanked the COAS for the Army’s consistent support and highlighted challenges confronting members, particularly in healthcare.
He appealed for assistance in strengthening the Association’s financial base and urged both serving and retired Armed Forces personnel to plan early for retirement.
“Strong financial foundations are essential for dignity and wellbeing after service,” Agada said.
Beyond the 38 Regular Course, the engagement reflects a broader strategy: leveraging the credibility, discipline and networks of Nigeria’s military veterans as partners in unity-building and national development.
As the Army scales up operationally, it is also widening the pool’s definition of service, one that now extends firmly into Nigeria’s civic and institutional life.
