Take Fight to Bandits, Kidnappers – COAS Charges Graduating Recruits
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed graduating recruits of the Nigerian Army to apply decisive force against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the nation’s peace and security.
The Army Chief gave the charge on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of the Restore Hope Programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Addressing the recruits, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described Nigeria’s security situation as complex and challenging, noting that criminal groups operating as bandits and kidnappers continue to subject citizens to hardship through abductions and the destruction of lives and property.
He stressed that the evolving nature of security threats requires a combination of courage, intelligence, discipline and strategic thinking.
“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. The era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us,” he said.
The COAS urged the recruits, who are expected to be formally inducted into military service in two days, to remain steadfast, professional and uncompromising in confronting criminal elements while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and the highest standards of military ethics.
Congratulating the recruits on the successful completion of their training, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu commended their dedication and resilience throughout the programme, describing the training as modern, rigorous and tailored to meet contemporary security demands.
He assured the recruits that the Nigerian Army has acquired modern combat enablers and is actively pursuing the procurement of additional capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness, improve mission success and make military operations safer and more efficient.
According to him, the Army remains committed to equipping its personnel with the tools and resources needed to effectively tackle emerging security threats across the country.
The Restore Hope Programme is a specialised initiative designed to instil professionalism, discipline, resilience and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while preparing recruits to respond effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The graduating recruits are expected to join the ranks of the Nigerian Army following their induction ceremony scheduled for later this week.
By TimesNG