The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reinforced the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army with the graduation of over 8,000 newly trained soldiers, a move aimed at strengthening ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats across the country.
The soldiers graduated during the Passing Out Parade of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, held on Saturday, 27 June 2026, marking another significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s drive to build a highly professional, combat-ready and mission-oriented force capable of supporting the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff disclosed that the recruitment exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s directive under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Nigerian Army to recruit 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen its force structure.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the ongoing recruitment initiative is intended to address existing manpower requirements, enhance operational effectiveness and improve the Army’s capacity to respond decisively to the nation’s evolving security challenges.
The Army Chief stated that the newly graduated soldiers had undergone rigorous military training designed to develop their physical endurance, tactical competence, leadership qualities and fighting spirit required for contemporary military operations. He noted that they were joining the Service at a critical period when Nigerian Army troops remain actively engaged across multiple theatres of operation in defence of the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of lives and property.
He charged the new soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage, loyalty and selfless service throughout their military careers, stressing that substantial national resources had been invested in their recruitment, training and development.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the soldiers to remain steadfast, resilient and committed to duty while conducting all operations in accordance with established military ethics, professionalism and the highest standards of respect for human rights. He expressed confidence that the newly graduated personnel would significantly reinforce ongoing operations and contribute meaningfully to improving security and restoring lasting peace across the country.
Earlier, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the graduating soldiers on the successful completion of their training. He commended their resilience, discipline and determination, while reaffirming the Osun State Government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to preserve peace, security and national development.
The Deputy Governor also urged the new soldiers to remain dedicated to the service of the nation and discharge their responsibilities with honour, integrity and patriotism.
