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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. – Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has charged 6,226 recruits of 83 regular intake of the Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and adhere strictly to the code of conduct in all its operations.
The COAS stated this at the weekend during the passing out parade at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria Kaduna state.
According to him, some of the soldiers would be posted to various theatre operations to tame persistent insecurity bedevilling some parts of the country while others would participate in the 2023 general elections.
“Some of you who may participate in the forthcoming general elections, I urge you to remain apolitical and adhere sensibly and strictly to the codes of conduct, principles of human rights and rules of engagement.
“In order to excel in your chosen career, you must exhibit total loyalty to constituted authority. You must always remain focused and not allow ethnic and religious bigots to take advantage of you to advance their selfish interests,” he said.
General Yahaya explained that they would be posted to more relevant areas where they are required, warning that “it is a clear message to all criminals, whether they are bandits, kidnappers or terrorists”.
He, therefore, charged them to maintain a high standard of professionalism and remain good ambassadors of Depot Nigerian Army, Army headquarters and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.
“As for you the passing out recruits, you are all aware, Nigeria is currently facing numerous security challenges such as the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, secessionist agitators and other criminal elements.
“I wish to state that these security challenges can only be surmounted by the collective resolve and effort of every officer and soldier of the Nigerian Army, including those of you passing out today,’’ he said.
The COAS further enjoined the new soldiers to apply the mental, physical and moral training acquired over the past few months to the service of the nation.
He added that the army expected them to uphold the Nigerian Army core values of loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others, which are sacred to all personnel.
“These values along with other cherished ethos of the Nigerian Army, if well imbibed and upheld, will help you attain great heights in your chosen career,” Yahaya said.
The Army Chief also advised the soldiers on the importance of the Oath of Attestation they have sworn to.
He said: “By this oath you are under obligation to remain loyal to constituted authorities at all times and place the interest of the nation ahead of your personal convictions’’.
He noted that Depot Nigerian Army, since its establishment in 1924, had borne the responsibility of molding selected able-bodied citizens into well trained and disciplined soldiers to meet the manpower demands of the Nigerian Army.
He added that the function of molding selected able bodied citizens into well trained and disciplined soldiers was of utmost importance and remained relevant, considering the numerous security challenges presently bedeviling the nation.
He said the training was also in cognizance with his vision of having a “professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”.
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