Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday passed out more than 3,000 newly trained soldiers, further reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s manpower as part of an expanded recruitment drive aimed at strengthening national defence and tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
The development was announced in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the recruits graduated during a passing out parade at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, on July 8, 2026. The ceremony marks another milestone in the Army’s sustained force generation programme following recent recruit graduations at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State.
Addressing the new soldiers, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they begin active military service. He said their training had been deliberately designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria’s complex security environment.
The COAS urged the recruits to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-focused, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
He reminded them that the nation had invested significantly in their training and expected them to repay that confidence through courage, professionalism and selfless service.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic investment in the Nigerian Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development, in line with the service’s transformation agenda.
He commended the Commandant, instructors and support staff for producing competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting ongoing military operations across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, praised the Nigerian Army for locating the training depot in the state, describing it as a vital national asset that has strengthened security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
Governor Nwifuru 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 passing out parade was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the ceremony included colourful military parades, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits, reflecting the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a disciplined, professional and combat-ready force capable of responding decisively to emerging security threats.
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