By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, graduated out over 3,000 newly trained recruits at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, charging them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they commence active military service.
The passing out parade represents a significant reinforcement of the Nigerian Army’s manpower capacity, in line with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to address the current security challenges and strengthen national defence. It also follows similar recent recruit graduations at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, reflecting a deliberate and sustained expansion of the Army’s force generation capability.
Addressing the recruits, the COAS stated that their rigorous training was carefully structured to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s complex security environment.
He urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-oriented, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
He reminded them that the nation has made substantial investments in their training and expects them to justify that trust through courage, professionalism, and selfless service.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic step towards enhancing the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development in line with its transformation agenda. He commended the Commandant, instructors, and support staff for their dedication to producing competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of contributing effectively to ongoing operations nationwide.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, lauded the Nigerian Army for siting the depot in the state, describing it as a critical national asset that has improved local security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of peace, stability and development.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families and other dignitaries. It featured a colourful parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, further underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a disciplined, professional and combat-ready force capable of decisively addressing emerging security threats.
