The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant‑General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday presided over the passing‑out parade of more than 3,000 newly trained recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri‑Edda, Ebonyi State.
According to a statement from the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the graduation is part of the Federal Government’s push to bolster the Army’s manpower to confront prevailing security challenges nationwide. The statement noted the recruits’ graduation follows recent passing‑out ceremonies at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State.
Addressing the recruits, Shaibu said their training was designed to prepare them for modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment. He urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution, saying: “The nation has made substantial investments in your training and expects you to justify that trust through courage, professionalism and selfless service.”
Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri‑Edda depot as a strategic enhancement of the Army’s training infrastructure and commended the depot’s commandant, instructors and support staff for producing what he called competent, combat‑ready soldiers capable of contributing to ongoing operations across the country.
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru welcomed the depot’s presence, calling it a critical national asset that has improved security, stimulated economic activity and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi and neighbouring communities. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to promote peace and development.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers and families of the recruits. It featured a formal parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits.
