The Nigerian Army depot distributed 6,226 recruits out of 83 regular recruit intakes on Saturday, December 10, 2022, in order to increase manpower requirements in addressing the country’s numerous security concerns.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honor, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Chief Army Staff, asserted that these young soldiers’ professional demeanor was demonstrated in the realistic and results-oriented training that had an impact on them during their five-month stay. This was demonstrated in the synchronized drill, impressive display, innovation, ingenuity, turnout, and perseverance of these young soldiers during the passing out ceremony.
According to a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s social media pages on Sunday, the army chief claimed that the young soldiers’ demanding training, which began five months ago, had prepared them to handle today’s security challenges, and that an increase in NA personnel strength will give its various operations more momentum.
The COAS further exhorted them to maintain their focus and resist the temptation to aid racial and religious extremists in furthering their own narrow interests. Additionally, General Yahaya urged the young soldiers who will be assigned to cover the 2023 elections to maintain their impartiality while carrying out their constitutional obligations.
General Yahaya said again that these young warriors had to live up to the NA’s core values of loyalty, selfless devotion, honesty, courage, discipline, and respect for others.
“You must defend these principles by acting with high moral and professional standards,” are his exact words. I therefore implore you to hold onto your mental, physical, and moral training and to use it in the most professional and responsive ways possible.
General Yahaya further urged them to show their complete commitment to the constitutional authorities in order to serve as excellent ambassadors for the NA. Depot NA is the COAS’ priority in terms of infrastructure and people development, he continued, noting that it is clear from the restructuring of the training environment for both staff and recruits. Depot NA serves as the center for the professional growth of NA’s soldiers. The COAS also promised to increase his support for the institution’s high-quality training.
He reiterated that the young soldiers now had a special status and were subject to both military and civil laws, while reminding them of the oath of allegiance that had been administered to them. He also cautioned them against doing anything that may damage the reputation of the NA and the country at large.
