By MUSTAPHA YAURI

The Nigerian Army on Saturday inducted 5,876 newly trained soldiers into its ranks to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and other internal security operations across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the soldiers graduated under a revised training model designed to produce combat-ready personnel capable of tackling terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats confronting the nation.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this during the Passing-Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, on Saturday.

The Chief of army staff was the Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour at the event.

He said 6,001 recruits commenced training, while 5,876 successfully completed the six-month programme and participated in the parade.

He said the recruits were the first set across Nigerian Army training depots to undergo the enhanced training concept developed under the Army’s RESTORE HOPE initiative nationwide.

According to him, the initiative was informed by lessons learnt from ongoing military operations and aimed at ensuring soldiers were mission-ready from the beginning of their military careers.

The COAS said the curriculum was reviewed to place greater emphasis on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, marksmanship proficiency and the application of emerging technologies in modern warfare.

“The purpose is to equip young soldiers with the competence, adaptability and professionalism required to confront evolving security threats and effectively support national defence objectives,” he said.

Shaibu said Nigeria’s security environment had become increasingly complex, requiring a force that is agile, technologically proficient and professionally grounded to effectively address contemporary security challenges.

He explained that the RESTORE HOPE training model combines advanced infantry skills, counterterrorism competencies, intelligence-led operations, joint collaboration and civil-military relations for operational effectiveness nationwide.

Shaibu said the recruits underwent rigorous physical drills, tactical exercises, live-fire training, endurance tests and command-and-control simulations tailored to meet contemporary security and operational requirements.

He noted that the high standard displayed during the parade reflected the tremendous effort invested by instructors and training staff throughout the intensive programme.

“The successful completion of this training should instil pride and accomplishment. I urge you to sustain this spirit and uphold the core values of the Army,” he said.

The COAS congratulated the graduates for their perseverance, discipline and determination, saying they had earned the right to be called soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

He urged them to remain loyal, professional and committed to the Army’s core values of courage, discipline, integrity and selfless service in defence of the nation.

According to him, they had joined a distinguished league of Nigerians who chose to live by the principles of self-discipline, loyalty and sacrifice in national service.

Shaibu charged the new soldiers to uphold the warrior ethos of courage, resilience, discipline and professionalism as they prepare for deployment and future operational responsibilities.

He also warned the soldiers against the misuse of the social media stressing the laws were very clear; anybody found violating the rules would have himself to be blamed.

He assured personnel of continued support from Army Headquarters through improved welfare, enhanced operational effectiveness and sustainable logistics aimed at boosting performance and morale.

The COAS commended the commandant, instructors and support staff of the depot for successfully implementing the new training model and achieving its desired objectives. (NAN)

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