The Nigerian Army has sustained its recruitment drive aimed at strengthening national security with the passing out of more than 3,000 newly trained soldiers from the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
Speaking at the passing-out parade, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the new soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they begin active military service.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the graduation marks a significant reinforcement of the Nigerian Army’s manpower strength in line with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to address prevailing security challenges and strengthen national defence.
The statement noted that the exercise follows similar recruit graduations recently conducted at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, underscoring the Army’s deliberate and sustained expansion of its force generation capability.
Addressing the recruits, Lieutenant General Shaibu said their rigorous training had been carefully designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s complex security environment.
He urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-focused, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
He reminded them that the nation had invested significantly in their training and expected them to justify that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service.
The COAS described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic step towards strengthening the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development in line with its transformation agenda.
He also commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff for their commitment to producing competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of contributing effectively to ongoing military operations across the country.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the depot in the state, describing it as a critical national asset that has enhanced local security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of peace, stability and development.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the graduating soldiers and other dignitaries.
It featured a colourful parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, further underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a disciplined, professional and combat-ready force capable of responding decisively to emerging security threats.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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