Army Graduates 3,000 Recruits to Boost Counter-Terrorism Operations Nationwide

The Nigerian Army has graduated more than 3,000 newly trained soldiers from its Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand its manpower capacity and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations across the country.

The latest graduation ceremony comes 12 days after the Army passed out more than 8,000 recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State, as the military continues its drive to increase troop strength and improve operational readiness.

Speaking during the passing-out parade in Ebonyi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the new soldiers to uphold discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they begin their military careers.

According to a statement by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, Shaibu described the graduation as a significant milestone in strengthening the Army’s manpower base in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to address security challenges and enhance national defence.

The Army chief said the exercise followed similar recruit graduations at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria and the newly established training facility in Osogbo, describing the expansion of training infrastructure as part of a deliberate strategy to improve force generation.

He said the recruits had undergone intensive training designed to prepare them for the demands of modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment.

“The nation has made substantial investments in your training and expects you to justify that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service,” Shaibu told the new soldiers.

He urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined and committed to their duties, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.

Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda training depot as a strategic development that would support the Army’s transformation agenda and provide the manpower needed to respond effectively to emerging security threats.

He also commended the commandant, instructors and support staff at the depot for their role in producing soldiers capable of contributing to military operations across the country.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, praised the Nigerian Army for establishing the training facility in the state, describing it as an important national asset that has contributed to improved security, economic activity and opportunities for residents.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued partnership with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in promoting peace, stability and development.