The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has expressed optimism that more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers will reinforce ongoing military operations and enhance efforts to restore lasting peace and improve security across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army on Saturday in Osogbo, Osun State, the Army Chief said the graduation represents a major step in the Nigerian Army’s drive to strengthen its manpower and improve operational capacity in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats confronting the country.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the ceremony as another important milestone in the Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and mission-oriented force capable of effectively safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting the nation’s security objectives.
He explained that the recruitment exercise formed part of the Federal Government’s directive under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel into the Nigerian Army as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s defence architecture.
The Army Chief noted that the initiative is designed to bridge existing manpower gaps, enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness and improve its ability to respond decisively to the evolving security challenges facing different parts of the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the recruits had undergone months of intensive military training covering physical fitness, weapons handling, tactical operations, field exercises, leadership development and discipline, equipping them with the skills required to confront the complex security threats of modern warfare.
He observed that the newly graduated soldiers were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period when troops remain deployed across several theatres of operation, conducting sustained offensives against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups threatening national peace and stability.
The COAS urged the soldiers to remain steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities, reminding them that the nation had invested enormous resources in their recruitment, training and development with the expectation that they would serve with honour and dedication.
He charged the recruits to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army by demonstrating discipline, professionalism, courage, loyalty, integrity and selfless service throughout their military careers.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further advised the soldiers to carry out all operations in strict compliance with military ethics, rules of engagement and internationally recognised human rights standards, stressing that professionalism and respect for the rights of civilians remain essential components of successful military operations.
He also encouraged them to remain resilient and committed in the face of the challenges they may encounter while defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
Earlier, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the recruits on successfully completing their training, describing their graduation as the beginning of a lifetime of service to the nation.
He commended the discipline, perseverance and determination displayed by the recruits during their training and reaffirmed the Osun State Government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to maintain peace, strengthen national security and promote sustainable development.
The governor also urged the newly enlisted soldiers to remain patriotic, dedicated and committed to defending the nation with honour, while contributing meaningfully to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to secure the country against emerging security threats
