The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has announced that about 6000 recruits who have just graduated from the Depot Nigerian Army (NA) in Zaria will play a key role in addressing Nigeria’s security issues.
General Lagbaja made this statement while speaking to the new recruits at the Passing Out Parade for the 86th Regular Recruits Intake held at the RSM Hama-Kim Parade Ground on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
He explained that these new recruits will be essential in tackling various security challenges across the country, including 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 in the South South and South West.
He explained that these new recruits will be essential in tackling various security challenges across the country, including 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 in the South South and South West.
The COAS emphasized that the soldiers will undergo advanced military training to enhance their skills.
The Nigerian Army has prepared a series of post-Depot courses to help the soldiers become proficient with the Army’s range of weapons and equipment and to develop other critical soldiering skills.
General Lagbaja assured the recruits that the Army is also improving its welfare programs to meet their housing, medical, recreational, and educational needs and to support their career development.
In his address to the soldiers, the Army Chief reminded them of their duty to defend the nation and, if necessary, to make the ultimate sacrifice.
He urged them to be prepared to serve wherever they are needed, whether by land, sea, or air, and to put the country’s needs above their own comfort.
“By becoming a soldier, you have accepted the highest call to duty and to abide by the requirements of exceptional discipline, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to duty, all of which are values that have guided your training,” said General Lagbaja.
He urged the new soldiers not to disappoint the Nigerian Army or the nation.
The COAS expressed his gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support for the Nigerian Army.
He also thanked the National Assembly members, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their support.
During the six-month training at the Depot, four recruits received 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 received the Chief of Training (Army) Award.
Recruit Onyema Ozioma of Hotel Training Company was awarded the Chief of Administration (Army) Award, and Recruit Abubakar Mubarak of Echo Training Company received the Commandant Depot NA Award.
In addition to the parade, the COAS also inaugurated 40 remodeled and renovated flats at Chindit Barracks for the accommodation of soldiers.
The event was well attended, with notable guests including the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, representing the Governor, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association, General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, Formation Commanders, Commandants of NA training institutions, and the families and friends of the graduating recruits.
