The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Faruk Yahaya, has tasked 6,226 recruits who completed their training to be professional in the discharge of their assigned duties.
The COAS said this during the Passing-out-Parade (PoP) of the 83 Regular Recruit Intake on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Yahaya, who was the Reviewing Officer, said they should be ready for operational duties in the defence of the country.
He said that the Army would continue to decimate all criminals in the country.
“It is a clear message to all criminals, whether they are bandits, kidnappers or terrorists,” he added.
He urged the new soldiers to maintain high standard of professionalism and remain good ambassadors of Depot Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“As for the passing out recruits, you are all aware, Nigeria is currently facing numerous security challenges such as the activities of Boko Haram Terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, secessionists and other criminal elements.
“I wish to state that these security challenges can only be surmounted by the collective resolve and effort of every officer and soldier of the Nigerian Army, including those of you passing out today,’’ he said.
Yahaya, therefore, enjoined the new soldiers to apply the mental, physical and moral training acquired over the past few months.
He added that the army expected them to uphold the Nigerian Army Core Values of Loyalty, Selfless Service, Courage, Discipline, Integrity and Respect for Others, which are sacred to all personnel.
“These values along with other cherished ethos of the Nigerian Army, if well imbibed and upheld, will help you attain great heights in your chosen career,” Yahaya said.
The army chief also advised the soldiers on the importance of the Oath of Attestation they have sworn to.
He said: “By this oath you are under obligation to remain loyal to constituted authorities at all times and place the interest of the nation ahead of your personal convictions’’.
He noted that Depot Nigerian Army, since its establishment in 1924, had borne the responsibility of molding selected able-bodied citizens into well trained and disciplined soldiers to meet the manpower demands of the Nigerian Army.
He added the function of molding selected able bodied citizens into well trained and disciplined soldiers was of utmost importance, considering the numerous security challenges bedeviling the nation.
Yahaya expressed satisfaction that Depot Nigerian Army has continued to plan and conduct its training activities in compliance with the Army Headquarters Training Directives.
He said the training was also in cognisance of his vision of having a “professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS also inaugurated and inspected numerous projects at the Army Depot.