Nigerian Army inducts 3,439 new recruits as chief urges loyalty and discipline

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Army has inducted 3,439 newly trained soldiers, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, urging them to uphold loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they begin their military careers.

In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the new soldiers are members of the 89 Regular Intake who completed six months of training at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria and were formally inducted during a passing-out parade on Saturday.

Lieutenant General Shaibu, who reviewed the parade, described the ceremony as evidence of the recruits’ dedication and perseverance, saying their training reflected the core values required of professional soldiers.

He said the additional manpower would strengthen the army’s ability to respond to evolving domestic and transnational security threats, describing the induction as both a boost to personnel numbers and a reinforcement of national security efforts.

The army chief told the recruits that they had been entrusted with the responsibility of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, urging them to serve with courage, honour and respect for the rule of law.

He also praised the Depot Nigerian Army, established in 1924, for its longstanding role in producing professional soldiers, and assured that the training institution would continue to receive support in logistics, infrastructure and personnel welfare.

Lieutenant General Shaibu reminded the recruits of their oath of allegiance, warning them against any conduct that could damage the image of the army or the country, and stressing the importance of discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all operations.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other security agencies for their support, while commending the depot’s commandant, instructors and staff for their role in training the new soldiers.

The army chief concluded by congratulating the recruits and their families, expressing hope for distinguished and exemplary service as they are deployed to formations across the country.