By Hassan Ibrahim
The Nigerian Army has inducted 3,439 newly trained soldiers into its ranks following the successful Passing-Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the RSM Hama Kim Parade Ground, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The colourful ceremony was reviewed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu, who also served as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
Addressing the recruits, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as a significant boost to the Nigerian Army’s strategic manpower expansion drive, noting that the newly inducted soldiers would play a critical role in addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
He congratulated the recruits on the successful completion of months of rigorous training, describing their graduation as the beginning of a noble journey marked by sacrifice, discipline, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.
The COAS noted that the recruits were joining the Army at a critical period in Nigeria’s history, as the country continues to confront security threats such as terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality.
He charged them to see themselves as part of the solution and to remain committed to the defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.
Lieutenant General Shaibu assured the recruits that the training they received at the Depot Nigerian Army, combined with continuous leadership and specialist training in the field, had adequately prepared them for future operational challenges.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the Army’s capacity, the COAS disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, which is expected to further enhance training capacity and support the deployment of well-trained troops across the country.
He also revealed that the training curriculum across the Army’s depots would be reviewed and streamlined, with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and mission-oriented skills, to produce combat-ready and professional soldiers.
The Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to a soldier-centred command philosophy, stressing that the welfare and well-being of personnel remain a top priority of the Nigerian Army.
He urged the newly inducted soldiers to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, including discipline, courage, loyalty and integrity, while maintaining professionalism in all their duties.
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