The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged graduating recruits of the Nigerian Army to decisively confront bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the nation’s peace and security.
Speaking on Thursday at the graduation ceremony of the Restore Hope Programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria, Kaduna State, the Army Chief urged the recruits to remain resolute and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said Nigeria is currently facing a critical security situation, with criminal groups continuing to inflict hardship on citizens through abductions and the destruction of lives and property.
“The security challenges confronting Nigeria today are complex, uncertain and ambiguous. Terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats demand not only courage, but also intelligence, discipline and strategic thinking,” he said.
He added, “The era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us.”
The COAS stressed the need for the recruits, who are expected to be inducted into military service within two days, to apply decisive force against criminal elements while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and maintaining the highest standards of military ethics.
He urged them to remain disciplined, professional and unwavering in their commitment to protecting the nation and its citizens.
Congratulating the recruits on the successful completion of their training, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the programme as modern and rigorous, designed to prepare soldiers for contemporary security challenges.
He also assured them of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness through the acquisition of modern combat equipment and capabilities.
“The Nigerian Army has acquired modern combat enablers and is pursuing the procurement of additional capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness and make the task of soldiering more efficient and safer,” he stated.
The Restore Hope initiative is a specialised training programme aimed at instilling professionalism, discipline, resilience and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while equipping recruits with the skills required to respond effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The programme forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader efforts to strengthen its manpower and improve operational readiness in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the country.
