COAS passes out over 3,000 recruits, tasks troops on discipline, professionalism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday passed out more than 3,000 newly trained recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, charging them to uphold discipline, loyalty and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the recruits, Shaibu said the graduates represented a significant addition to the Nigerian Army’s manpower, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national defence and address the country’s prevailing security challenges.
He said the recruits had undergone rigorous military training designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
The COAS urged the soldiers to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-focused, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
According to him, the nation has invested heavily in their training and expects them to justify that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service.
Shaibu described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a strategic investment in the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development.
He said the facility was part of ongoing efforts to expand the Army’s force generation capacity, noting that the graduation followed similar recruit pass-out parades recently conducted at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State.
The Army chief commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff of the depot for their commitment to producing competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting ongoing military operations across the country.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the training depot in the state.
Nwifuru described the facility as a strategic national asset that had enhanced security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to promote peace, stability and development.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the event included a ceremonial parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits.
