Tinubu Approves New Army Depot In Abakaliki As 3,439 Recruits Pass Out In Zaria

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of an additional Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to complement the existing depot in Osogbo, Osun State.

Shaibu said the new depot, which would come on stream in due course, forms part of the Federal Government’s strategic plan to significantly increase the number of well-trained soldiers available for deployment across the country amid rising security challenges.

The COAS made the disclosure at the Passing Out Parade of 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army’s 89 Regular Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The recruits, who successfully completed six months of intensive military training, were formally inducted into the Nigerian Army during the colourful parade, marking the beginning of their careers as professional soldiers.

Addressing the parade as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Shaibu said the approval of another army depot underscored the growing imperative for increased recruitment in view of Nigeria’s evolving threat landscape.

“In view of the current security environment and the nature of threats confronting our nation, the drive for increased recruitment has become significantly imperative,” the army chief said.

He explained that the establishment of the Abakaliki depot would strengthen the Army’s training capacity and support the ongoing expansion of manpower required to sustain operational effectiveness nationwide.

Shaibu charged the newly recruited soldiers to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism, stressing that their successful completion of training reflected dedication, perseverance and hard work.

“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 told the recruits.

Describing the parade as a “testament to your dedication and perseverance,”the COAS noted that the ceremony showcased the skills, discipline and esprit de corps instilled in them throughout the training period.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Army remains a professional, combat-ready force and that the induction of the new soldiers was critical to strengthening national security.

“The Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security threats. Your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian,” Shaibu said.

“I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage and professionalism. You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation.”

The army chief also commended the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s training architecture.

“I assure you that the Depot Nigerian Army will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards,” he said.

Shaibu further urged the recruits to conduct themselves with integrity and discipline and to respect human rights in the course of their duties, stressing that these values are central to professional soldiering.

Reminding them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, the COAS warned against any conduct capable of bringing disrepute to the Nigerian Army or the country.

“By that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws. Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority,” he said.

The army chief expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, as well as the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

He also acknowledged the cooperation of other security agencies and commended the Commandant, instructors and staff of the Depot Nigerian Army for their commitment to training disciplined and professional soldiers.

“Congratulations to the passing-out recruits, your parents and guardians on this remarkable achievement. May your careers be distinguished, your service exemplary, and your deployment to various Army formations safe and fulfilling,” Shaibu added.

The Passing Out Parade attracted senior military officers, traditional rulers, government officials and families of the recruits, who watched as the newly inducted soldiers demonstrated drills and tactical skills acquired during their training. ENDS.