By Our Reporter
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, announced that approximately 6,000 recruits, who graduated on Saturday at the Depot Nigerian Army (NA) in Zaria, will play a vital role in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
General Lagbaja made this statement while addressing the recruits during the Passing Out Parade of the 86th Regular Recruits Intake at the RSM Hama-Kim Parade Ground, Depot Nigerian Army.
“The young recruits passing out today from the Depot Nigerian Army will be integral to the Nigerian Army’s efforts in combating insurgency in the North East, banditry and cattle rustling in the North West, farmers-herders clashes in the North Central, secessionist agitations and cultism in the South East, and militancy and vandalism of national assets in the South South and South West,” said General Lagbaja.
He emphasized that these new soldiers will undergo advanced military training to enhance their skills, with the Nigerian Army providing a series of post-Depot courses and training programs. These initiatives aim to help the soldiers master various weapons and equipment in the Army’s arsenal, as well as other specialized skills to increase their proficiency in combat.
General Lagbaja also highlighted improvements in welfare packages to support the soldiers’ housing, medical, recreational, and educational needs, ensuring their career development and fulfillment.
Addressing the soldiers, the COAS reminded them of their duty to defend the nation, even at the cost of their lives. He urged them to be prepared to serve wherever and whenever needed, by land, sea, or air, emphasizing that the profession of arms requires a commitment to prioritize duty to the country above personal comfort.
“By becoming a soldier, you have accepted the highest call to duty and the requirements of exceptional discipline, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to duty, which have been the core values of your training,” the COAS stated.
He encouraged the new soldiers not to disappoint the Nigerian Army and the nation’s expectations. The Army Chief also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, as well as to the National Assembly, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their ongoing support.
During the event, four recruits were recognized with awards for their outstanding performance. Recruit Odo Maurice of Alfa Training Company received the Chief of Army Staff Award for the overall best recruit. Recruit Obasekemi Ibrahim of Echo Training Company was awarded the Chief of Training (Army) Award. Recruit Onyema Ozioma of Hotel Training Company received the Chief of Administration (Army) Award, and Recruit Abubakar Mubarak of Echo Training Company was honored with the Commandant Depot NA Award.
Additionally, the COAS commissioned 40 remodeled and renovated flats for junior personnel in Chindit Barracks.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Kaduna State, represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, Formation Commanders, Commandants of NA training institutions, as well as families of the Passing Out Recruits.