Army Chief urges graduating recruits to crush terrorists, bandits, kidnappers

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged graduating recruits under the Restore Hope Initiative to confront terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s peace and security with courage, professionalism and discipline.

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The charge was delivered 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.

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In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Army Chief urged the recruits to remain resolute in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and the highest standards of military ethics.

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According to Shaibu, 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.

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“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.

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“The era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us,” he said.

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The Army Chief reminded the recruits, who are expected to be formally inducted into military service within two days, that professionalism and commitment to duty would be essential in confronting the country’s security threats.

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He congratulated the recruits on the successful completion of what he described as rigorous and modern military training designed to prepare them for operational realities.

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Shaibu also assured them that the Nigerian Army has acquired modern combat enablers and is pursuing the procurement of additional capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness and improve the safety and efficiency of military operations.

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The Restore Hope Initiative is a specialised 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 contemporary security challenges.

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