The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal has tasked newly commissioned officers to prioritise national interest, maintain absolute loyalty to the Constitution, and uphold strict discipline in service to Nigeria.
A statement by the Director Army, Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, said he made the remarks during the Passing Out Parade of Executive Commission Course 2/2025 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji.
The Army Chief noted that “the commissioning of this set of officers aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State of Emergency on Security and the directive to expand manpower, strengthen frontline deployments, and accelerate nationwide security stabilisation.”
Addressing the officers, General Shaibu emphasised professionalism and apolitical service, urging them “to be mission-focused, courageous, and ethically grounded in the face of terrorism, banditry, and other emerging threats.”
“The commissioning of these officers is a critical moment in our nation’s security history. Your loyalty, discipline and commitment to the Constitution will define the Army’s contribution to peace and stability,” he stated.
Earlier, the Commandant of NASI, Major General Frank Etim, highlighted the rigorous and restructured training curriculum designed to meet emerging security challenges.
He explained that 250 officers, including 14 female officers, completed intensive modules in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, leadership, tactical command, and physical conditioning to ensure operational readiness.
“This training instills the core military values of loyalty, courage, discipline, and integrity, preparing officers to take up leadership responsibilities in complex operational environments,” he said.
Awards were presented to officers who excelled in academics, field exercises, and leadership performance during the course.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s security emergency action plan through recruitment, intensive training, and strategic deployments across all operational theatres.