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COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos
COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, on Saturday charged 3,439 newly enlisted recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos, and the core values of the service as they begin their military careers.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the event as a milestone in the Nigerian Army’s strategic drive to expand its manpower and strengthen national security.
“It is indeed gratifying to note that the Nigerian Army’s strategic goal of expanding its manpower has been given a significant boost with this passing out parade.
“For these young Nigerians, today marks the beginning of a journey of sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to the service of our nation,” he said.
The COAS urged the recruits to take pride in joining the Army at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, when the country faces multiple security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national stability.
“You are now stakeholders in the noble task of securing our fatherland. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the rigorous training you have received, coupled with the purposeful leadership you will encounter in the field, will prepare you for whatever the future holds,” he said.
Shaibu charged the recruits to exhibit warrior ethos, diligence, discipline, and professionalism as they integrate into various formations and units.
He assured that their welfare and wellbeing have been prioritized, with all necessary measures put in place to support them in and out of service.
The COAS highlighted reforms in Army training across the three depots, emphasizing the streamlining of curricula to focus on marksmanship, fieldcraft, and mission-oriented skills necessary to produce combat-ready and lethal soldiers.
He also noted that recruits would have access to specialist training to maintain operational readiness throughout their careers.
In addition, Lieutenant General Shaibu informed the recruits that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, aimed at boosting training capacity and providing more well-trained troops for deployment across the country.
He further announced that other depots, including Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, will soon hold similar passing out parades.
“Our command philosophy is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force, capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“Our soldiers are the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army, and your training and welfare remain critical to our success,” he said.
The COAS commended the commandants, staff, and instructors of Depot Zaria for producing a steady stream of well-trained manpower capable of contributing effectively to national security objectives.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, for their steadfast support to the Nigerian Army and hosting the Depot.
Lieutenant General Shaibu concluded by congratulating the families of the recruits for supporting their decision to join the Nigerian Army and urged the soldiers to act with hope, courage, and determination.
“Always act with the hope for success and never with the fear of failure. Uphold the values and ethos of the Nigerian Army as you serve the nation,” he said.
The parade, which included full military drill, inspection, and symbolic handing over of the Nigerian Army insignia to the recruits, demonstrated the Army’s commitment to producing disciplined, professional, and combat-ready personnel capable of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Karnuwa general area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation followed intelligence provided by a local resident, Malam Muhammadu Ardo, concerning alleged cattle rustling activities within the area.
The troops reportedly mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while using a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly employed in transporting stolen cattle.
The rustled cattle were recovered and immediately handed over to their rightful owners at the scene of the arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards and the sum of N20,650.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to repeatedly stealing and selling rustled cattle to buyers in Maiduguri.
Security sources further disclosed that investigators suspect possible links between the suspects and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad due to alleged inconsistencies observed in their statements during interrogation.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered about 600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.
The troops reportedly discovered the illegal refining site around Asa community, where a large cooking pot loaded with stolen crude oil was found stockpiled in sacks.
Military authorities said the recovered products and equipment were handled in accordance with operational directives guiding anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Safe.
The operation was conducted without any confrontation or security incident.
The Nigerian military has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi at Kafur, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, at Huguma village following intelligence on illicit drug activities within the area.
During the raid, troops apprehended one suspect identified as a major supplier of illicit drugs and other substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Items recovered during the operation included 146 grams of suspected cannabis and 16.5 grams of a substance identified as Exol-5.
The suspect and the recovered drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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