The military in Nigeria is insisting that it will continue to increase its mental and physical capacity, in order to effectively fight insecurity in the country.
In its bid to shore up its manpower, the Nigerian Army has injected 5,890 recruits into the force.
During their Passing Out Parade at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Kaduna State, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika, told the new soldiers that the Boko-Haram threat in the North-Eastern part of the country demands that the Armed Forces maintain a well-trained and disciplined force.
Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika said: “Nigerian Army’s mission to win all land battles, defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect and advance her national interest as may be assigned in aid to civil authority, remains a task we must never fail to accomplish no matter the odds.
“Therefore, I urge you to remain selfless, disciplined, loyal and determined. As you are aware, the contemporary security challenges in our country demands that the army maintain a well-trained and disciplined force to provide appropriate response.
“Let me emphasise that our constitutional responsibilities demands that we defend the nation from external aggression, maintain its territorial integrity and secure the border from violation by land, sea and air.
“Remember that the military profession has no place for the weak and feeble minded. You must understand that the military service is all about sacrifice, honour, discipline, loyalty, perseverance and valour.
He further reminded the soildiers, “by the taking of oath of allegiance today, you are now subject to both civil and military laws. You must therefore avoid anything that has the propensity to tarnish your image, the army and the nation”,
Ihejirika also assured the new recruits of being exposed to further training in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation.
5,890 is the highest number of soldiers to be trained at once, since the inception of the Nigerian ArmyDepot , Zaria in 1924.