Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has boosted the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the graduation of more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.
The soldiers passed out on Saturday at the Depot during a ceremony that marks another phase in the Army’s efforts to increase manpower for ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
Addressing the new soldiers, the COAS said the recruitment is part of the Federal Government’s directive under President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel into the Nigerian Army.
The COAS in a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the exercise is aimed at closing manpower gaps, strengthening the Army’s force structure and improving its ability to respond to the country’s changing security challenges.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the recruits had undergone demanding military training that prepared them physically, mentally and tactically for the responsibilities ahead. According to him, they are joining the service at a time troops are deployed in different theatres of operation to defend the country’s sovereignty and protect lives and property.
He urged the new soldiers to remain disciplined, courageous and professional throughout their careers, stressing that loyalty, selfless service and commitment to duty must remain their guiding principles.
The Army chief also reminded them that the country had invested heavily in their recruitment and training, urging them to justify that confidence by carrying out their duties in line with military ethics and with respect for human rights.
He expressed confidence that the fresh intake would strengthen ongoing operations and contribute to efforts to improve security across the country.
Earlier, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the soldiers on completing their training.
He commended their resilience and determination, reaffirmed the Osun State Government’s support for the Armed Forces in promoting peace, security and national development, and urged the new soldiers to serve the country with dedication and honour.
