As kids, a lot of people must have fantasized about how they will grow up to become strong, powerful soldiers who go about helping their community to kill a lot of “bad guys”. Well, that opportunity might just be throwing itself on some people’s laps as information emerging from the army has shown that there might be a need to recruit more soldiers into the Nigerian Army in order to be able to effectively tackle the security problems facing the country right now

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chief of Army Staff, Lt.General Azubuike Ihejirika, has called for more recruitment into the Armed Forces to meet local and international security challenges facing the country, the army general had been delivering a lecture at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Jos on Wednesday when he made the submission.

According to his lecture which was titled “‘Resource Diversification and Utilisation in the Army for Human Security Management in Nigeria in the 21st century”, Lt.General Ihejirika states that “The need for expansion of the Nigerian Army to meet contemporary challenges cannot be overlooked; some new units are being created and such units require personnel… This requires, therefore, that the Nigerian Army must recruit and train more soldiers toward greater efficiency in resource utilisation and ensure that the units have adequate rest and recuperation at all times after operation.” Lt.General Ihejirika’s speech was delivered on his behalf by Maj.-Gen Jack Nwogbo, the GOC, 3 Div, NA, Rukuba, Jos.

Well, there we have it! For those of us who – either in the past or presently – fantasize about this kind of opportunity, it is hoped that if and when the Nigerian Army finally comes calling we will not be found wanting.