The army has bolstered its fighting force with the graduation of over 3,000 newly trained soldiers, as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the recruits to remain disciplined, courageous and committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
The recruits were officially passed out during a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday, at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, marking another milestone in the army’s ongoing expansion of its manpower to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the parade, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the soldiers had undergone rigorous military training designed to prepare them for modern combat operations and the country’s complex security environment.
He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and discipline, stressing that their allegiance to the constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
“The nation has invested significantly in your training and expects you to justify that confidence through selfless service, courage and dedication,” the army chief told the recruits.
Shaibu described the Amasiri-Edda training depot as a strategic addition to the army’s training infrastructure, noting that it aligns with the Army’s transformation agenda aimed at producing more combat-ready personnel.
He also praised the commandant, instructors and support staff for their role in training the new soldiers.
The passing-out parade follows similar recruit graduations at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, underscoring the Army’s sustained recruitment drive to strengthen national defence.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, who attended the ceremony, commended the army for establishing the depot in the state, describing it as a major boost to security and economic development.
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He said the facility has created opportunities for residents while improving safety within Ebonyi and surrounding communities.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and stability.
The event drew senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the graduating recruits and other dignitaries.
It featured military drills, a ceremonial parade and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, highlighting the army’s commitment to building a highly disciplined and operationally effective force.
