The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has passed out over 3,000 newly trained recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as the Nigerian Army sustains its expanded recruitment drive to strengthen national defence and enhance operational readiness.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the passing-out parade held on Wednesday marked another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing manpower expansion aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The statement noted that the graduation follows similar passing-out parades recently conducted at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, reflecting the Army’s deliberate expansion of its force generation capacity.
Addressing the recruits, Lieutenant General Shaibu said their intensive training was designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s complex security environment.
“Your rigorous training has prepared you for the realities of modern warfare and the nation’s evolving security challenges. Remain disciplined, vigilant and mission-oriented, and let your loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority remain unwavering,” the COAS charged.
He reminded the recruits that the nation had invested significantly in their training and urged them to repay that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service to the country.
The Army Chief described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a strategic investment in the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development, in line with its ongoing transformation agenda.
He also commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff of the depot for their dedication in producing competent, disciplined and combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting ongoing military operations across the country.
Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, lauded the Nigerian Army for establishing the depot in the state, describing it as a strategic national asset that has enhanced security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
“The Depot Nigerian Army has become a critical national asset that has improved local security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for our people,” the governor said while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The colourful passing-out parade attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries.
The ceremony featured precision drills, military displays and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, highlighting the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a disciplined, professional and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats across the country.
