The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of another Nigerian Army depot in Abakaliki in addition to the existing one in Osogbo.
He said this will be launched in due course, thereby complementing the strategic plan to increase the number of well-trained troops available for deployment in all parts of the country.
General Shaibu said that in view of the current threat landscape, the drive to increase recruitment has become significantly imperative.
He charged the 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to maintain the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism when they formally join the service.
The recruits, who are members of the 89 Regular Regiment of the Nigerian Army, successfully completed six months of intensive training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, and were presented today during a Passing Out Parade, marking their official induction into the Army.
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.
Addressing the parade as special guest of honor and reviewing officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu said his successful training reflects hard work, dedication and discipline.
Highlighting the Army’s role as a professional and combat-ready force, he 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 new recruits are vital to maintaining operational readiness across the country.
“His successful training reflects hard work, dedication and discipline. He has been molded to meet the highest military standards and has 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 military will continue to confront emerging threats to national and transnational security.
“His inauguration today is not only a boost to our manpower, but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.”
“You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of responding decisively to any threat to our nation,” he said.
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 remains the backbone of the training capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
“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.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged recruits to maintain discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values are the cornerstone of the professional soldier.
He reminded them of the oath of loyalty they took, stating: “By that oath, you are now bound to respect both civil and military laws.
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 Ahmed 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.
“Congratulations to the passing out recruits, their parents and guardians for this remarkable achievement.
May their careers be distinguished, their service exemplary and their deployment in various Army formations safe and satisfactory,” he concluded.