The President, Muhammadu Buhari, has tasked the newly commissioned military officers to support the Federal Government’s effort in the war against Boko Haram insurgency and militancy, in the Niger Delta region as well as other emerging security challenges confronting the nation.

Hemade this declaration while addressing graduating military cadets of the 63rd Regular Course during their passing out parade from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State on Saturday.

While congratulating the graduating cadets on their enlistment as military officers, the President charged them to exhibit high sense of professionalism, patriotism and loyalty which the NDA is known for, in the course of their military career. He warned them to always operate by the rule of engagement and in accordance with the nation’s constitution.

The President also gave assurances of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military officers who laid down their lives for the security of the nation.

A total of 129 Cadets of 63rd Regular Course comprising of the Army, Navy, Air Force were commissioned as officers. The Passing Out Parade is significant because this is the first time that the NDA is graduating female cadets after 52 years

Addressing the new officers, President Buhari reminded them that some would be deployed to crisis areas. He restated that the government is determined to confront the current resurgence of militants’ attacks on oil pipelines in the Niger Delta with military onslaught if the agitators fail to embrace dialogue.

He commended the NDA for churning out highly disciplined military officers, who have contributed immensely to the security of the nation since its establishment in 1964. He urged the new officers to be prepared to play their roles as junior military officers in tackling the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation.

The Nigerian Defence Academy was established in 1964 to provide primary military officer training for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Since its inception, the academy has graduated over 18,000 military officers including those from neigbouring African countries. (Channels TV)

•State House Photo shows President Buhari taking the salute during the passing out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, on Saturday.

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