COAS Passes Out 3,000 Army Recruits to Strengthen National Defence

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday graduated more than 3,000 newly trained soldiers at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri Edda, Ebonyi State, as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s military capacity.

The passing out parade marked another phase of the Nigerian Army’s recruitment and force expansion programme aimed at improving operational readiness in response to the nation’s evolving security challenges.

A statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the graduation followed similar recruit passing out ceremonies recently conducted at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State.

Addressing the recruits, Shaibu congratulated them on successfully completing their training, describing the programme as rigorous and carefully structured to prepare them for modern military operations and emerging security threats.

He urged the soldiers to remain disciplined, courageous and committed to the defence of Nigeria, stressing that the country had invested heavily in their training and expected them to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.

According to the Army Chief, loyalty to the Constitution, constituted authority and the Nigerian Army’s core values must remain the guiding principles throughout their military careers.

Shaibu also reminded the recruits that the nation’s security challenges require determination, vigilance and unwavering commitment, urging them to approach every assignment with dedication and a strong sense of patriotism.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State described the establishment of the Army training depot in the state as a major national asset that has contributed significantly to security and economic development within the area.

He said the presence of the military facility had stimulated commercial activities, created opportunities for residents and strengthened peace and stability across the state and neighbouring communities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to enhance national security and development.

The colourful ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the graduating recruits and other distinguished guests.

Activities at the event included a ceremonial parade, precision military drills and the presentation of awards to recruits who distinguished themselves during the training programme, reflecting the Army’s continued commitment to building a professional, disciplined and combat ready force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.