By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM), has charged 3,439 newly trained soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism as they formally joined the service, describing their induction as critical to strengthening national security and sustaining operational readiness across the country.
The new soldiers, who form the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, successfully completed six months of rigorous military training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and were officially inducted during a colourful Passing Out Parade held on Saturday. The parade marked the culmination of their transformation from civilians into professional soldiers and their formal entry into the Nigerian Army.
Details of the event were contained in an official signed statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who noted that the Chief of Army Staff served as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer at the ceremony.
Addressing the recruits, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and commitment, noting that their successful completion of training reflected months of hard work, discipline, and mental resilience.
“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,” the Army Chief said.
He emphasised that the injection of 3,439 additional manpower into the Nigerian Army comes at a critical time when the nation continues to grapple with evolving domestic and transnational security threats, stressing that the new recruits are vital to reinforcing the Army’s ability to respond decisively to any threat.
“The Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security threats. Your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian. You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation,” he added.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training architecture. He assured that the depot would continue to receive sustained support in logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its long-standing standards of excellence.
“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 said.
The COAS further urged the newly inducted soldiers to uphold discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in the conduct of all operations, noting that these values remain the cornerstone of professional soldiering. He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they had taken, stressing that it binds them to uphold both civil and military laws.
“By that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws. Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority,” he stated.
The Army Chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, as well as to the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and sister security agencies for their cooperation and support.
He also commended the Commandant, instructors, and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication and professionalism in training the recruits, noting that their efforts have continued to produce well-trained and disciplined soldiers for the Nigerian Army.
Congratulating the passing-out recruits, their parents, and guardians, Lieutenant General Shaibu wished them successful and fulfilling military careers. “May your careers be distinguished, your service exemplary, and your deployment to various Army formations safe and fulfilling,” he concluded.
