A total of 6,000 recruits have graduated from the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria following six months of rigorous training to combat insecurity.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said the new recruits formed a crucial part of the Nigerian Army’s solution to the security challenges confronting the nation.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Saturday, quoted Gen. Lagbaja to have stated this while addressing the young recruits after reviewing the ‘Passing Out Parade’ of the 86th Regular Recruits Intake at the RSM Hama-Kim Parade Ground, Depot Nigerian Army.
“The young recruits of Depot Nigerian Army we are here to pass out today, will form part of Nigerian Army’s solution to the challenge of insurgency in the North East, banditry and cattle rustling in the North West, farmers-herders clashes in the North Central, secessionists agitations and cultism in the South East, militancy and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure in the South South and South West,” the statement said.
General Lagbaja also said the young soldiers will be exposed to advance military training to sharpen their newly acquired skills, adding, that the Nigerian Army has put in place series of post-Depot courses and training packages to help the soldiers master the array of weapons and equipment in the Army’s inventory, as well as other special soldiering skills to become more proficient in the art of war.
He assured that the Army is equally improving existing welfare packages to cater for their quartering, medical, recreational, and educational needs, as well as ensure their career fulfillment.
Lagbaja informed the young soldiers that their statutory responsibility is to defend and, if need be, pay the supreme price for the nation.
He charged them to be ready to go wherever and whenever they are ordered to, by land, sea, or air in defence of the nation, stressing that the noble profession of arms is a commitment to relegate personal comfort and assume duty to country as the primary concern.
“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”, he added.
The COAS further charged the young soldiers not to disappoint the Nigerian Army and the country’s expectations from them.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and unwavering support to the NA.
He equally extended his gratitude to the members of the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their goodwill and support.
After six months of rigorous training at the Depot, four recruits received awards for outstanding performance amongst their peers.
The Chief of Army Staff Award in honour of the overall best recruit was clinched by Recruit Odo Maurice of Alfa Training Company, while the Chief of Training (Army) Award went to Recruit Obasekemi Ibrahim of Echo Training Company.
Recruit Onyema Ozioma of Hotel Training Company bagged the Chief of Administration (Army)Award and the Commandant Depot NA Award was received by Recruit Abubakar Mubarak of Echo Training Company.
The COAS also commissioned 40 remodeled and renovated flats for accommodation in Chindit Barracks.