Over 6000 recruits graduated from the Nigerian Army 85 Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) in a colourful regimental Passing Out Parade (POP) held 21 October at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna state.
The Six Thousand Three Hundred and Fifteen (6,315) passing out Recruits’ path to soldering began after successfully completing a laborious selection process and reporting for training at the Depot Nigerian Army on 3 June 2023, culminating in today’s POP.
Addressing the Passing Out Recruits, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja congratulated the young soldiers on their successful completion of their training, describing it as qualitative, realistic, and adapted to fulfil the country’s present security demands.
Gen Lagbaja reiterated that in tandem with his Command philosophy “to transform the Nigerian Army into a force, well trained, equipped and highly motivated towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”, troops’ training and welfare are top most priorities under his command.
He emphasised that the force will continue to prioritise military training and welfare, noting that the current focus is on renovating poor lodging facilities, while efforts are also being made to supply new ones. “As a reward for their sacrifices, our soldiers deserve the best accommodations we can offer when they are not on the front lines.”
The COAS also stated that the force is strengthening its medical facilities under his leadership in order to better treat all battle losses resulting from operational engagements.
The Army Chief reminded the young soldiers that soldiering is a life of commitment to country, allegiance to defend, and the willingness to pay the ultimate price if necessary.
“As you pass out today, you have accepted the highest call to duty, any Nigerian can take up” he declared. In the presentation of awards that followed, the Indian Training Company among others, emerged the Champion Company and received the Depot Nigerian Army Champion Banner, while, Recruit Abdullahi Abubakar bagged the Chief of Army Staff Award for coming tops amongst his mates, Recruit Ugwu Clifford clinched the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army Award, Recruit Ideba Love won the Chief of Administration (Army) Award, while the Chief of Training (Army) Award went to Recruit Edet Samuel.
Dignitaries at the event include the Governor of Kaduna state Senator Uba Sani, Senator Abdulazziz Yar’adau, former Chief of Army Staff Maj Gen Alwali Kazir, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen John Ochai, representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Principal Staff Officers from the force Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, amongst several others.
Meanwhile, the COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has sought the cooperation of traditional institution’s royal fathers for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in preserving long-term peace and harmony in their domains.
The COAS made the request during a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali at his palace in Zaria today.
He expressed his condolences to the Emir and people of Zazzau Emirate on the untimely death of their famous son, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji Mansur Nuhu Bamali, and prayed for divine fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
