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