The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged newly inducted soldiers to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally join the ranks of the service.
The advice was given during the Passing Out Parade of 3,439 recruits of the 89 Regular Intake, who successfully completed six months of intensive military training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The parade marked their official induction into the Nigerian Army and an expansion of manpower aimed at ”strengthening national security operations.”
Addressing the recruits as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as “a testament to their dedication, perseverance and commitment to the rigours of military training.’
According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said; “the successful completion of training reflected hard work, discipline and resilience and the that the recruits had been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering.
“You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation. I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage and professionalism.”
The Army Chief noted that the injection of additional manpower was critical as the Nigerian Army continues to confront evolving domestic and transnational security threats, stressing that “the new soldiers would help sustain operational readiness across all theatres.”
He said; “Your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian. You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training architecture.
He assured that the Depot would continue to receive sustained support in logistics, infrastructure and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.
The Army Chief further urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all operations, reminding them that these values form the foundation of professional military conduct.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said; “By the Oath of Allegiance you have taken, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws. Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”
He expressed gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and other security agencies for their continued support to the Nigerian Army.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended the Commandant, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication to training professional soldiers.
The ceremony marked another step in the Nigerian Army’s effort to strengthen capacity, professionalism and readiness in addressing the nation’s security challenges.