🇳🇬 COAS Charges New Recruits To Apply Decisive Force Against Criminal Elements

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged graduating recruits under the Restore Hope initiative to apply decisive force against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national security.

Desk: Defence Operations

Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026

Time: 22:55 WAT

Location: Zaria, Nigeria

The Army Chief delivered the charge during the graduation ceremony of the Restore Hope programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Zaria.

Army Describes Security Environment As Complex And Asymmetric

Lieutenant General Shaibu said Nigeria is confronting a critical security phase marked by terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats characterised by abductions and destruction of lives and property.

He noted that the evolving nature of these threats requires a combination of courage, intelligence, discipline and strategic thinking beyond conventional battlefield responses.

New Recruits Urged On Discipline And Professional Conduct

The COAS urged the graduating recruits to remain resolute, professional and firm in dealing with criminal actors, while strictly adhering to the Rules of Engagement and military ethical standards.

He emphasised that effectiveness in modern warfare depends on both operational capability and disciplined conduct in the field.

Army Expands Combat Capability And Training Framework

Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the recruits for completing what he described as rigorous modern military training, noting that the Nigerian Army continues to invest in advanced combat enablers and capability upgrades to improve operational effectiveness.

He explained that the Restore Hope initiative is designed to strengthen professionalism, resilience and loyalty while preparing personnel for evolving security challenges.

The message underscores a continued shift in Nigerian Army training doctrine toward confronting asymmetric threats with enhanced force readiness, discipline and modern operational capabilities.

🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, COAS Waidi Shaibu, Restore Hope, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Military Training, Counterterrorism

#Nigeria #NigerianArmy #Security #COAS #Zaria #RestoreHope #CounterTerrorism #ZigDiaries