The Nigerian Army on Wednesday graduated more than 3,000 newly trained recruits at the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, in a move to strengthen its manpower and enhance ongoing counter-terrorism and other internal security operations across the country.

This came 12 days after the Army graduated more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State.

Speaking at the passing-out parade, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, charged the new soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they begin active military service.

According to a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS described the graduation as a significant boost to the Nigerian Army’s manpower capacity, in line with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges and strengthen national defence.

He noted that the exercise follows similar recent recruit graduations at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, reflecting the Army’s deliberate and sustained expansion of its force generation capability.

The Army Chief said the recruits had undergone rigorous training designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment.

He urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-focused, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.

“The nation has made substantial investments in your training and expects you to justify that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service,” he said.

Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda training depot as a strategic milestone in expanding the Army’s training infrastructure and developing the manpower required to meet emerging security threats under its transformation agenda.

He also commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff for their dedication and professionalism in producing combat-ready soldiers capable of contributing effectively to ongoing military operations nationwide.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, lauded the Nigerian Army for establishing the training depot in the state, describing it as a critical national asset that has improved security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of peace, stability and development. (The Nation)

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