By Paul Joseph
The Nigerian Army has inducted 5,876 newly trained soldiers into its ranks to reinforce ongoing counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and other internal security operations across the country.
The soldiers officially joined the Army following the Passing-Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake, held on Saturday at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said a total of 6,001 recruits commenced the six-month training programme, with 5,876 successfully completing the rigorous course.
The Army Chief described the graduating recruits as the first batch to benefit from the Nigerian Army’s enhanced training curriculum introduced under the RESTORE HOPE initiative, a comprehensive programme aimed at equipping soldiers with the skills required to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges from the onset of their military careers.
According to him, the revised training package places greater emphasis on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, advanced weapons handling, intelligence-led missions and the application of emerging technologies in modern warfare.
Oluyede noted that Nigeria’s security landscape has become increasingly complex, requiring soldiers who are adaptable, technologically proficient and professionally trained to respond effectively to diverse threats across the country.
He explained that the six-month programme exposed the recruits to advanced infantry tactics, live-fire exercises, tactical drills, endurance training, command-and-control simulations, civil-military relations and joint operational collaboration, all designed to prepare them for real-life operational environments.
The Army Chief commended both the instructors and the graduating recruits, stating that their discipline, resilience and commitment throughout the training period were evident in the high standard displayed during the passing-out parade.
Congratulating the new soldiers on the successful completion of their training, Oluyede charged them to remain loyal to the Nigerian Army and uphold its core values of courage, integrity, professionalism and selfless service in the discharge of their duties.
He also warned the newly enlisted personnel against the misuse of social media, stressing that any violation of military rules and regulations would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.
The Chief of Army Staff further reassured officers and soldiers of the Army’s commitment to improving their welfare through better welfare packages, enhanced logistics and increased operational support to strengthen morale and effectiveness in the field.
The newly inducted soldiers are expected to be deployed to reinforce military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats confronting different parts of the country as the Nigerian Army continues efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
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