…as Nigerian Army gains additional personnel
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday charged the 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to maintain the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally join the service.
This is contained in a statement made available to defense correspondents in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the recruits, who are members of the 89th Regular Corps of the Nigerian Army, completed six months of intensive training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Kaduna State, and were presented during a passing out parade marking their official induction into the army.
Addressing the parade as special guest of honor and reviewing officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu said his successful training reflected hard work, dedication and discipline.
The parade, described by the COAS as a “testament to their dedication and perseverance”, showcased the skills, discipline and esprit de corps instilled in the recruits throughout their training.
Highlighting the Army’s role as a professional and combat-ready force, the COAS highlighted the importance of additional personnel in strengthening national security.
He noted that the Nigerian Army continues to face emerging national and transnational threats and that the new recruits were vital to maintaining operational readiness across the country.
He said: “Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication and discipline; you have been molded to the highest military standards and have now been entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation. I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honor, courage and professionalism.
“The Nigerian Army continues to face emerging national and transnational security threats; your induction today is not only a boost to our workforce but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the security of all Nigerians. You are now part of a combat-ready professional force, capable of responding decisively to any threat to our nation.”
The COAS commended the Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its inception in 1924, adding that the premier institution remained the backbone of the training capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
He said: “I assure you that you will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure and staff welfare to maintain your high standards.”
He urged recruits to maintain discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all operations, and emphasized that these values were the cornerstone of the professional soldier.
The COAS reminded them of the oath of loyalty they took, stating: “by that oath, you are now bound to respect both civil and military laws.
He continued: “avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honor, dignity and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”
The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and various security agencies for their continued support to the Nigerian Army.
He also commended the commander, instructors and staff of the Nigerian Army Depot for their dedication in producing well-trained professional soldiers.
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