By Hajara Abdullahi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the newly trained 3,439 recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism as they formally join the service on Saturday.
This was contained in a statement posted on X by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Apolonia Anele.
According to Anele, the new recruits, who are members of the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, successfully completed six months of intensive training at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and were presented during a Passing Out Parade held today, marking their official induction into the Army.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, the COAS, Lieutenant General Shaibu, said the recruits’ successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline.
“Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation. I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage, and professionalism,” he stated.
The COAS also commended the Depot Nigerian Army for its crucial role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training capabilities.
“I assure you that it will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards,” he added.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values remain the cornerstone of professional soldiering.
“Congratulations to the passing-out recruits, your parents, and guardians for this remarkable achievement. May your careers be distinguished, your service exemplary, and your deployment to various Army formations safe and fulfilling,” he concluded.
