Army commissions 250 officers to fight terrorism, banditry, others

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Army to place national interest above all and uphold absolute loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

General Shaibu, who gave the charge during the Passing Out Parade of Executive Commission Course 2/2025, held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to supporting the Federal Government’s (FG) security emergency action plan through massive recruitment, rigorous training, enhanced readiness and strategic deployments across all theatres of operation.

The COAS, while noting that the commissioning of this new set of officers forms a critical component of the president’s directive to expand manpower, said it will strengthen frontline deployments and accelerate security stabilisation efforts nationwide.

Gen. Shaibu, who expressed confidence in the quality of training received by the officers, noted that their exceptional display of parade and weapon handling reflects the army’s rising standards at a time when the nation demands heightened operational vigilance. He urged them to remain uncompromisingly apolitical, disciplined, and subordinate to civil authority, stressing that professionalism and constitutional loyalty remain the bedrock of military service.

He also reminded the officers that their commission comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security history, where terrorism, banditry, and other emerging threats require mission-focused, courageous, and ethically grounded leaders.

Earlier in his address, the commandant of NASI, Major General Frank Etim, stated that the training curriculum was deliberately restructured to align with the emerging security threats. He revealed that the 250 officers, including 14 female officers, underwent intensive courses in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, leadership, physical conditioning, and tactical command, ensuring they are battle-ready for ongoing and future operations across the country.

He noted that the training instilled core military values of loyalty, courage, discipline, and integrity, which remain indispensable for officers expected to take up leadership tasks in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Awards were presented to outstanding officers who distinguished themselves in academics, field exercises, and leadership performance during the course.