Apply Decisive Force Against Criminals, Army Chief Charges Recruits

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to confront bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the nation’s security with professionalism, discipline and decisive action.

The Army Chief gave the directive on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of participants in the Restore Hope Initiative for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Addressing the graduating recruits, Lieutenant General Shaibu said Nigeria is currently facing a critical security situation, with criminal groups continuing to inflict hardship on citizens through abductions, killings and destruction of property.

He noted that the country’s security challenges have become increasingly complex and require a combination of courage, intelligence and strategic thinking to overcome.

“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 Army Chief urged the recruits, who are expected to be formally inducted into military service within days, to remain steadfast in defending the country while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and the highest standards of military ethics.

He stressed the importance of professionalism in military operations, warning that success against criminal elements must be achieved without compromising established operational procedures and respect for human rights.

Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the recruits for successfully completing what he described as a rigorous and modern military training programme designed to prepare them for contemporary security challenges.

He assured them that the Nigerian Army is strengthening its operational capacity through the acquisition of modern combat equipment and other force multipliers aimed at enhancing effectiveness and improving troop safety during operations.

According to him, ongoing efforts to procure additional military assets will further improve the Army’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats across the country.

The Restore Hope Initiative is a specialised military programme established to deepen professionalism, discipline, resilience and loyalty among recruits while preparing them to respond effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security environment.

The programme forms part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Army to build a highly skilled and mission-ready force capable of addressing the country’s security challenges and supporting national stability.

The graduation ceremony attracted senior military officers, instructors, family members and other stakeholders who witnessed the completion of the recruits’ training and preparation for active military service.