Insecurity: Nigerian Army passes out 3,500 recruits in Osun
Recruits
By Olajide Idowu
Osogbo, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Saturday held a passing out parade for 3,500 recruits of the 89 Regular Recruits intake at the Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Osun.
In his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said the recruits had undergone six months of intensive training before their passing out.
Shaibu said it was indeed a thing of pride for the recruits to be the pioneer set to be trained at the depot.
The Army Chief said they were joining the Army at a critical period when the country is faced with diverse security challenges.
“Today, we celebrate the successful completion of the 6-month-long training that has transformed these young men and women into disciplined, resilient, and patriotic Nigerian Army soldiers.
“This occasion is also a momentous one because it is the maiden Passing Out Parade of the Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo; to this end, all principal staff officers from Army Headquarters also graced this occasion,” he said.
Shaibu commended them for choosing a noble path of honour that is paved with challenges, assuring them that the challenges are surmountable.
“The training you have been exposed to, as well as the purposeful leadership you will meet in the field, will prepare you for whatever the future holds.
“As you join the ranks of the Nigerian Army today, I urge you to reflect upon the values that you must have imbibed during your time here.
“In moments of doubt or adversity, draw strength from your training and proceed with the guiding principle that you must always “act with the hope for success and not the fear of failure,” he said.
The Army Chief said that the current threat landscape of the country had brought to the fore the need for increased recruitment towards a surge in military manpower strength.
He, however, stated that apart from Depot Nigerian Army Zaria and Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army Abakaliki would soon be operational.
Gov. Ademola Adeleke, in his address, acknowledged the critical role of the military in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Adeleke said the Nigerian Army is unique in its track record of maintaining internal and external peace.
“Alongside other military services, the police, and other security agencies, the Army has been a strong ally in the containment of communal clashes, warding off external and internal terrorists and bandits,” he said.
The governor urged the recruits to remain dedicated to the values and ethos of the service, saying they have a duty to remain loyal to the service, the constitution, and the nation.
Adeleke, however, sought the support of the military to contain infiltration of bandits into Osun from Kwara.
He said the threat was real, but he strongly believed that the ongoing operation of the Nigerian security forces would contain the threats.
(NAN) (www.nannews.com)
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Edited by Victor Adeoti