Nigerian Army Graduates Over 8,000 Soldiers to Boost Counterterrorism Operations
The Nigerian Army on Saturday graduated more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, in a move aimed at strengthening its operational capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats across the country.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the graduation as a significant milestone in the Army’s efforts to build a highly professional, combat-ready and mission-oriented force capable of supporting Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Shaibu said the recruitment was part of the Federal Government’s directive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the Nigerian Army to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel to reinforce its force structure.
According to him, the initiative is intended to address manpower gaps, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the Army’s capacity to respond to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The Army Chief noted that the new soldiers had undergone rigorous military training designed to develop their physical endurance, tactical competence, leadership skills and fighting spirit required for contemporary military operations.
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He observed that the recruits were joining the service at a critical period when troops remain deployed across multiple theatres of operation in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of lives and property.
Shaibu charged the soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage, loyalty and selfless service throughout their military careers.
He also reminded them that significant national resources had been invested in their recruitment, training and development, reflecting the confidence the nation had placed in them.
The COAS urged the graduates to remain resilient and committed to duty while conducting operations in line with military ethics, professionalism and respect for human rights.
He expressed confidence that the newly graduated soldiers would reinforce ongoing military operations and contribute to improving security and restoring lasting peace across the country.
Earlier, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the soldiers on the successful completion of their training.
He commended their resilience, discipline and determination, reaffirming the commitment of the Osun State Government to supporting the Armed Forces in promoting peace, security and national development.
Adewusi also urged the new soldiers to remain dedicated to the service of the nation.
The Passing Out Parade marks another phase in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing manpower expansion programme aimed at enhancing its operational readiness amid persistent security challenges across the country.
By PRNigeria
