By Idris Umar Zaria
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly trained soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake to be ruthless against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria's security, while remaining professional, disciplined and respectful of human rights in all military operations.
The Army Chief gave the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria.
Addressing the graduating soldiers, Lieutenant General Shaibu said they were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period in the nation's history, when the Armed Forces are intensifying efforts to defeat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.
He noted that the recruits had undergone rigorous military training, including Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency operations, designed to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and internal security operations.
"The Nigerian Army remains committed to denying all criminal elements freedom of action and safe havens anywhere within our territory.
You must therefore remain courageous, disciplined and mission-focused in the discharge of your duties," he charged.
The COAS, however, stressed that operational effectiveness must always be guided by professionalism, insisting that all military actions must be conducted in strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement and the Law of Armed Conflict.
According to him, respect for human rights and the protection of innocent civilians remain central to the Nigerian Army's operational philosophy and are essential to sustaining public confidence in military operations.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also acknowledged the continued support of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards enhancing the operational capabilities and welfare of personnel of the Armed Forces.
He said the Federal Government's investments in training, equipment acquisition and capacity development were yielding positive results in ongoing operations nationwide, adding that Nigerians expect the new soldiers to demonstrate discipline, loyalty, patriotism and operational excellence.
The Army Chief further warned the recruits against the misuse of social media and other digital platforms, cautioning that careless online conduct and unauthorized disclosure of military information could jeopardize operational security and compromise ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
He urged them to remain vigilant and responsible both online and offline, emphasizing that every soldier has a duty to protect sensitive information and uphold the image and integrity of the Nigerian Army.
Reaffirming the Army's commitment to safeguarding lives, property and national sovereignty, the COAS expressed confidence that the newly inducted soldiers would significantly strengthen ongoing military operations and contribute to efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, stability and security across the country.
The Passing Out Parade marked the successful completion of training for the recruits and their formal induction into military service, where they are expected to support ongoing operations in various theatres across the nation.
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