By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army says it is expanding its operational strength with the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to enhance battlefield dominance and tackle emerging security threats across the country.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, stated this at the Passing-Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Shaibu said the recruits formed part of the first batch of the 28,000 personnel approved by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency on national security.

He said the recruitment drive was aimed at strengthening the army’s manpower and operational capacity to confront insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security challenges.

According to him, the three training depots in Zaria, Amasiri-Eda and Oshogbo are expected to produce 14,000 recruits in two streams.

“This reflects a deliberate effort to rapidly enhance the Nigerian Army’s manpower and operational capacity.

“The approval demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the army with the manpower and resources necessary to confront threats to national peace and stability,” he said.

The COAS said the fresh recruits had undergone six months of rigorous military training designed to prepare them for contemporary security operations.

He noted that the reviewed training curriculum placed greater emphasis on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency operations, marksmanship and the application of emerging technologies.

Shaibu said the enhanced manpower would improve the operational effectiveness of formations and units across various theatres of operation.

He added that the development would also provide relief to troops who had served continuously in operational areas while ensuring sustainability of military operations.

“These recruits have acquired the fundamental military skills required to contribute effectively to ongoing operations.

“Their competencies will enhance our capacity to dominate the battlespace, protect communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action,” he said.

The army chief urged the recruits to uphold the core values of discipline, loyalty and professionalism throughout their careers.

He also cautioned them against violating the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s social media policy through the unauthorised sharing of operational information and sensitive military activities.

According to him, breaches of operational security could undermine military effectiveness, discipline and national security.

Shaibu further charged the recruits to respect human rights, adhere strictly to rules of engagement and conduct themselves in ways that would uphold the image of the Nigerian Army.

He reiterated his commitment to improving training standards, infrastructure and personnel welfare at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The COAS commended the commandant, instructors and staff of the depot for producing another set of professional soldiers ready for deployment in support of national security operations. (NAN)