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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of an additional Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, signaling a major expansion of the Army’s training and recruitment capacity amid evolving security challenges.
The COAS also reminded the recruits of the Oath of Allegiance they had taken, urging them to uphold civil and military laws, respect human rights, and avoid actions that could tarnish the image of the Army or the nation.
“Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority,” he charged.
Speaking at the passing out parade of 3,439 newly trained soldiers of the 89 Regular Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, at the weekend, the COAS said the new depot, coming after the one in Osogbo, would strengthen the Army’s strategic plan to increase the number of well-trained troops available for deployment across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the current threat landscape has made increased recruitment imperative, noting that the Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security challenges.
“The establishment of another training depot will, in good time, complement our drive for a surge in well-trained manpower to sustain operational readiness nationwide,” he said.
The recruits, who successfully completed six months of intensive military training, were formally inducted into the Nigerian Army during the parade, which showcased their discipline, skills, and esprit de corps.
Describing the ceremony as a testament to dedication and perseverance, the COAS charged the new soldiers to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism.
“Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation,” he said.
He emphasized that the induction of the new recruits represents both a boost to the Army’s manpower and a reinforcement of its commitment to national security,
He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to threats.
The COAS commended Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria,which was established in 1924 for its historic role in producing professional soldiers, assuring that the institution would continue to receive strong support in logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and other security agencies for their continued support to the Nigerian Army.
He also praised the Commandant, instructors, and staff of the depot for their dedication in training the recruits.
