The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly trained soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake to be decisive in confronting terrorists and other criminal elements while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights.
According to an official signed statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief gave the charge on Saturday, June 20, 2026, during the Passing Out Parade of the recruits at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Addressing the newly graduated soldiers, Lieutenant General Shaibu underscored the critical role they are expected to play in ongoing military operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity. He noted that after undergoing rigorous military training, including Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency operations, the soldiers are fully prepared to confront threats to national peace and stability.
The COAS emphasized that while the Nigerian Army remains determined to deny terrorists and other criminal elements any safe haven, all military operations must be conducted in strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement and the Law of Armed Conflict.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also highlighted the continued support of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces. He stated that Nigerians expect the new soldiers to demonstrate discipline, operational excellence and unwavering loyalty to the Constitution in the discharge of their duties.
The Army Chief further cautioned the recruits against the misuse of social media, warning that unprofessional online conduct and the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information could compromise operational security and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed confidence that the newly inducted soldiers would play a vital role in sustaining ongoing offensives and other military operations aimed at restoring peace, stability and security nationwide.
