The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday reinforced the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army with the graduation of more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers, describing the development as a major step towards strengthening ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats across the country.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, made this known in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Saturday.
According to the statement, the new soldiers graduated during the Passing Out Parade held at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday.
Speaking at the ceremony, the COAS said that the graduation represented another significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and mission-oriented force capable of supporting the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Shaibu explained that the recruitment exercise formed part of the federal government’s directive under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Nigerian Army to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel to strengthen its force structure.
According to him, “The initiative is intended to address existing manpower requirements, enhance operational effectiveness and improve the Army’s ability to respond decisively to the country’s evolving security challenges.”
“The recruitment forms part of the Federal Government’s directive, under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Nigerian Army to recruit 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen its force structure,” Shaibu said.
He added that the initiative was aimed at addressing existing manpower requirements, enhancing operational effectiveness and improving the army’s capacity to respond decisively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The army chief said that the recruits had undergone rigorous military training designed to prepare them for contemporary military operations.
“Lieutenant General Shaibu affirmed that the recruits have undergone rigorous military training designed to develop their physical endurance, tactical competence, leadership qualities and fighting spirit required for contemporary military operations.”
He noted that the new soldiers were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period when troops remain actively engaged across multiple theatres of operation in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of lives and property.
The COAS charged the graduating soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage, loyalty and selfless service throughout their military careers.
He further reminded them that substantial national resources had been invested in their recruitment, training and development, reflecting the confidence reposed in them by the nation.
He urged them to remain steadfast, resilient and committed to duty while conducting all operations in accordance with established military ethics, professionalism and the highest standards of respect for human rights.
Shaibu expressed confidence that the newly graduated personnel would significantly reinforce ongoing military operations and contribute meaningfully to improving security and restoring lasting peace across the country.
Earlier, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, had congratulated the graduating soldiers on the successful completion of their training.
He commended their resilience, discipline and determination throughout the training period and reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Government to supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to preserve peace, security and national development.
The deputy governor also urged the new soldiers to remain dedicated to the service of the nation as they begin their military careers.