EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi

By: Zagazola Makama

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.

Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.

The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.

The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.

EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi

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

Rising attacks on herders by Plateau Militia deepen fear of reprisals as 168 cattle rustled in coordinated assaults

By: Zagazola Makama

A renewed wave of attacks targeting herders in Plateau State has revived fears of another cycle of reprisals in a region long strained by ethno-religious tensions. On Wednesday evening, gunmen struck in Barkin Ladi and Jos East local government areas, rustling 168 cattle in coordinated assaults that left pastoral communities anxious and aggrieved.

According to the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the first incident occurred around Nding community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, where 137 cattle were rustled.

A second attack followed in Kukukah community of Jos East LGA, where 34 cattle were driven away, although three later returned home.

The stolen cattle belonged to three herders: Alhaji Wada Sale, Abdullahi Yusuf and Alhaji Talba Abubakar. Babayo explained that he immediately contacted heads of security agencies, including the DSS, Operation Enduring Peace and other formations, as soon as information about the attack reached him.
Yet, less than 24 hours later, another disturbing incident was reported.

Nine cows died instantly after allegedly consuming poisonous substances around Kwi village in Riyom LGA.
The poisoning, reportedly deliberate, has intensified concerns among stakeholders who fear the region may slide deeper into retaliatory violence if urgent steps are not taken.

For months, conflict analyst and security expert, Zagazola Makama has consistently warned of a growing pattern of targeted attacks on herders in Plateau, often carried out in remote areas where response times are slow. investigations have shown how cattle rustling, ambushes and poisoning of livestock have, over the years, triggered violent reprisals that leave communities shattered. These early signs, if ignored, frequently escalate into full-blown crises.

This pattern is well-known. When attackers strike herders and rustle cattle, reprisals often follow in farming communities. That is how Plateau has remained trapped in a cycle of violence.

Despite repeated alerts from MACBAN, community leaders and reporters, many believe the Plateau State Government has not taken firm steps to confront the trend. Many worry that the state’s silence is widening the cracks in an already fragile landscape. Failure to prosecute perpetrators or strengthen preventive mechanisms has emboldened criminal actors who exploit the region’s fragile inter-communal relations.

Across Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom, tension remains high. Pastoral families who lost cattle say the attacks threaten their livelihoods, while farmers fear the possibility of retaliatory violence. Zagazola warned that without intervention, extremism and bitterness could grow. Thursday’s poisoning of cows in Riyom an act seen as both provocative and dangerous has added another layer of anxiety.

As Plateau State enters the festive season, we hope that authorities will break the cycle of complacency and confront what many describe as a predictable and preventable chain of violence.

If not, the state risks yet another round of reprisals that could deepen long-standing divisions and further endanger rural communities.

Rising attacks on herders by Plateau Militia deepen fear of reprisals as 168 cattle rustled in coordinated assaults