COAS urges new recruits to confront bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), instructed the newly graduated recruits of the Nigerian Army’s Restore Hope initiative to stay resolute in combating banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities that threaten national security.

The directive was made during the graduation ceremony for the 90th Regular Recruit Intake of the Restore Hope programme at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, reported that the COAS reminded the recruits that they are joining the service at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, when criminal groups continue to inflict hardship on citizens through abductions and the destruction of lives and property.

Addressing the graduates, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline and adaptability in facing contemporary security threats.

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

The COAS urged the recruits, who are scheduled to be inducted into military service in two days, to remain resolute and uncompromising in dealing with criminal elements.

He also stressed the need to operate strictly within the Rules of Engagement and in accordance with the highest standards of military ethics and professionalism.

Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the recruits on completing what he described as a modern and demanding military training programme.

He assured them that the Nigerian Army is committed to enhancing operational effectiveness through the acquisition of modern combat enablers and the procurement of additional capabilities aimed at making military operations more efficient and safer.

The Restore Hope initiative is a specialised programme designed to deepen the values of professionalism, discipline, resilience and unwavering loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It also aims to equip recruits with the skills and mindset required to respond effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges and operational realities.