NIGERIA: Army Boosts Operational Strength With Graduation Of Over 8,000 New Soldiers

By Onoja Baba

The Nigerian Army has significantly strengthened its operational capacity with the graduation of more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers, a move aimed at reinforcing ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats confronting the country.

The recruits formally passed out during a colourful Passing Out Parade held on Saturday at the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo, Osun State, marking another milestone in the Army’s efforts to build a highly professional, combat-ready and mission-oriented force capable of effectively responding to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the graduation as a major boost to the Nigerian Army’s manpower and operational effectiveness. He said the recruitment exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s directive under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the Nigerian Army to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel to strengthen its force structure.

According to the Army Chief, the ongoing recruitment initiative is designed to address manpower gaps, improve operational readiness and enhance the military’s capacity to confront terrorism, insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats across the country.

Lieutenant General Shaibu said the newly graduated soldiers had undergone rigorous military training aimed at developing their physical fitness, tactical competence, leadership abilities and fighting spirit required for modern military operations.

He noted that the recruits are joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period when troops remain actively engaged in multiple theatres of operation across the country in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of lives and property.

The Army Chief urged the new soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage, loyalty and selfless service throughout their careers, stressing that the nation expects them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and dedication.

He reminded them that substantial national resources had been invested in their recruitment, training and development, reflecting the confidence reposed in them by the Federal Government and the Nigerian people.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further charged the soldiers to remain steadfast, resilient and committed to duty while conducting military operations in strict compliance with established military ethics, professionalism and internationally recognised human rights standards.

Expressing confidence in the graduates, the COAS said they would significantly reinforce ongoing military operations and contribute meaningfully to improving security, restoring lasting peace, and supporting the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Also speaking at the event, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, congratulated the soldiers on the successful completion of their training.

The governor commended the graduates for their resilience, discipline and determination throughout the training period and urged them to remain patriotic and dedicated in the service of the nation.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Government to supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to preserve peace, strengthen national security and promote sustainable national development.

The graduation of the new soldiers comes as the Nigerian Army continues to intensify operations across the country’s various theatres of conflict, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-East, where troops are engaged in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting communities.