Nigerian Army Graduates Additional 3,000 Recruits as COAS Intensifies Force Expansion
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has passed out more than 3,000 newly trained soldiers at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda in Ebonyi State, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding its manpower and strengthening the country’s defence capabilities amid prevailing security challenges.
Speaking during the passing-out parade on Wednesday, the Army Chief charged the new recruits to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they begin active military service.
The graduation marks another significant boost to the Nigerian Army’s operational strength and forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce national security through sustained recruitment and force generation. The exercise follows recent passing-out parades held at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, highlighting the Army’s continued expansion of its training infrastructure.
Addressing the recruits, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said their training had been deliberately designed to equip them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. He urged them to remain disciplined, vigilant and mission-focused while maintaining unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authorities.
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The Army Chief reminded the soldiers that the nation had invested heavily in their training and expressed confidence that they would repay that investment through courage, professionalism and selfless service in defending the country’s territorial integrity.
He described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic milestone in the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, noting that it would significantly enhance manpower development and training capacity.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff of the depot for their dedication and professionalism in producing combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting ongoing military operations across the country.
In his remarks, Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, praised the Nigerian Army for establishing the training depot in the state, describing it as a vital national asset that has enhanced security, stimulated economic activities and created employment and business opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in promoting peace, security and development.
The colourful ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries. It featured military parades, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s resolve to build a disciplined, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing emerging security threats nationwide.
By PRNigeria
