The Nigerian Army on Saturday have successfully recruited a total number of 5800 new soldiers to be deployed at various theatre of operations to tame persistent insecurity bedeviling some parts of the country.
The event is the climax of the recruits’ intensive training in Depot Nigerian Army and showcases the height of military discipline and regimentation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Faruk Yahaya, made this known today at the Passing-out-Parade (PoP) of the 82 Regular Recruit Intake in Zaria, Kaduna State.
General Yahaya, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer of the PoP, said the new recruited soldiers would be deployed to areas where they are required, warning that “it is a clear message to all criminals, whether they are bandits, kidnappers or terrorists”.
He regretted that Nigeria was facing numerous security challenges with Boko Haram terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements making life unbearable.
Army Chief therefore tasked the soldiers to maintain a high standard of professionalism and remain good ambassadors of Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“I wish to state that these security challenges can only be surmounted by the collective resolve and effort of every officer and soldier of the Nigerian Army, including those of you passing out today,’’
“As for the passing out recruits, you are all aware, Nigeria is currently facing numerous security challenges such as the activities of Boko Haram Terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, secessionist agitators and other criminal elements", he said.
He described Depot Nigerian Army as a key training institution responsible for moulding selected able bodied citizens into well trained and disciplined soldiers, to meet the manpower requirements of the Nigerian Army, necessary to execute the onerous task of tackling contemporary security challenges bedeviling the nation.
The Reviewing Officer disclosed that the rigorous training undertaken by the young soldiers has transformed them into highly skilled and professional young soldiers, poised to enhance the strength and combat efficiency of the Service.
He reminded them of the importance of the Oath of Allegiance, to which they have all sworn, adding that by the oath they are under obligation to remain loyal to the Constitution and President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yahaya, therefore, enjoined the new soldiers to apply the mental, physical and moral training acquired over the past few months as well as those “you will be exposed to at your respective units, formations and corps”.
He added that the army expected them to uphold the Nigerian Army Core Values of Loyalty, Selfless Service, Courage, Discipline, Integrity and Respect for Others, which are sacred to all personnel.
