Over 4,000 recruits have been enlisted into the Nigerian Army after a rigorous training.

At the Passing Out Parade (POP) of 81 Regular Recruits Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday, the new recruits were charged to put national interest over their personal interests and be professional as they discharge their duties in the field.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer of the POP, congratulated the young soldiers for the successful completion of their training.

The COAS noted that the training of recruits into the Nigerian Army (NA) is in fulfilment of Army Headquarters Training Directives in line with his vision to have “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”

He added that the POP marks another crucial chapter in the history of the training institution and the Nigerian Army, as it welcomes a fresh set of well-trained soldiers into the noble profession.

He described Depot Nigerian Army as a key training institution responsible for moulding selected able-bodied citizens into well trained and disciplined soldiers, to meet the manpower requirements of the Nigerian Army, necessary to execute the onerous task of tackling contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation.

The Reviewing Officer disclosed that the rigorous training undertaken by the young soldiers has transformed them into highly skilled and professional young soldiers, poised to enhance the strength and combat efficiency of the Service.

Yahaya reminded the new intakes of the importance of the Oath of Allegiance, to which they have all sworn, adding that by the oath they are under obligation to remain loyal to the Constitution and President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.