The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged 3,439 newly enlisted Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism and the core values of the service as they begin their military careers.
Shaibu gave the charge at the passing out parade of the Regular Recruits Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, describing the ceremony as a major milestone in the Army’s effort to expand its manpower and strengthen national security.
“It is gratifying to note that the Nigerian Army’s strategic goal of expanding its manpower has received a significant boost with this passing out parade,” the COAS said, noting that the recruits were embarking on a path of sacrifice, patriotism, and service to the nation.
He urged the recruits to take pride in joining the Army at a critical time, as Nigeria grapples with terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national stability, stressing that they were now key stakeholders in securing the country.
Shaibu assured them that their rigorous training, combined with effective leadership in the field, would prepare them for the challenges ahead, adding that discipline, diligence, and professionalism must guide their conduct at all times.
The COAS also assured the recruits that their welfare and wellbeing remained a priority, with measures in place to support them both during and after service.
He highlighted ongoing reforms in Army training, noting that curricula across the three depots had been streamlined to focus on marksmanship, fieldcraft, and mission-oriented skills aimed at producing combat-ready soldiers.
Shaibu added that the recruits would continue to benefit from specialist training throughout their careers to ensure sustained operational readiness.
