By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Right Honourable Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended the establishment of Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, describing it as a significant milestone that will enhance national security, strengthen regional stability and drive socio-economic development in the South-East.
The Governor stated this when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, where he emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Ebonyi State Government in consolidating peace, enhancing security and promoting national development.
Speaking during the visit, the COAS stated that his presence in Ebonyi State was to witness the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, an event he described as a historic milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army’s training and force generation architecture.
He noted that the establishment of the Depot, the first of its kind in the South-East geopolitical zone, was in line with the directive of the President , Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to strengthen the Army’s operational readiness, expand manpower generation and promote national integration through the equitable distribution of military infrastructure. Lieutenant General Shaibu described the Depot as a strategic national asset that will play a critical role in training disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing evolving security challenges. He added that its location in the South-East highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening security presence in the region while fostering trust, inclusion and stronger civil-military relations.
The COAS commended the Ebonyi State Government for its consistent support to the Nigerian Army and called for enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing, civil-military cooperation and the protection of critical national assets. He stressed that sustainable peace and security can only be achieved through collective action involving government institutions, security agencies and the citizenry.
In his response, Governor Nwifuru praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the dedication of Nigerian Army personnel in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and maintaining internal security. He acknowledged the Army’s vital role in sustaining peace in Ebonyi State, noting that the prevailing security has created an enabling environment for growth and development.
The Governor described the establishment of Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri-Edda as a landmark achievement for Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region. He expressed confidence that the institution will not only strengthen the Army’s manpower base but also boost local economic activities, enhance regional security and promote national unity.
Governor Nwifuru further reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a strong and cordial relationship with the Nigerian Army and pledged continued support to ensure the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
