The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has passed out more than 3,000 newly trained soldiers at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as the Nigeria military sustains its large-scale recruitment drive to strengthen national defence and tackle the country’s security challenges.
Speaking during the passing-out parade on Wednesday, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the recruits to uphold discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they begin active military service. He stressed that their training was designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
The Army Chief reminded the new soldiers that their allegiance to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering, noting that the nation had invested significantly in their training and expected them to justify that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service.
He said the graduation forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reinforce the manpower of the Nigeria military, following similar recruit pass-out ceremonies recently held at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, reflecting a sustained expansion of the Army’s force generation capacity.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic investment in military training infrastructure and manpower development, in line with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation agenda. He commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff for producing competent, disciplined and combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting ongoing operations across the country.
Also speaking, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, applauded the Nigerian Army for establishing the depot in the state, describing it as a major national asset that has enhanced security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of the state and neighbouring communities.
Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria military and other security agencies to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
The colourful ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the graduating recruits and other dignitaries. Highlights included an impressive parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a highly professional and combat-ready force.
