The Nigerian Army has graduated more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its manpower and enhance operations against terrorism and other forms of criminality nationwide.

Speaking at the passing-out parade on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu described the graduation as a significant milestone in the Army’s commitment to building a “highly professional, combat-ready and mission-oriented force” capable of supporting the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Apollonia Anele, the COAS said the recruitment exercise forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the Nigerian Army to enlist an additional 28,000 personnel to strengthen its force structure.

He noted that the initiative aims to address manpower gaps, enhance operational effectiveness, and improve the Army’s capacity to respond decisively to the country’s evolving security challenges.Lt.-Gen. Shaibu affirmed that the recruits had undergone rigorous military training designed to build their physical endurance, tactical competence, leadership qualities and fighting spirit required for contemporary military operations.

He stressed that the soldiers were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period when troops are actively engaged in various theatres of operation across the country, defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while protecting lives and property.