The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has announced the plan to modify the training curriculum in the three Nigerian Army’s depots as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity and banditry in the country.

Shaibu noted that the military will adopt marksmanship and essential field craft skills to make results-oriented soldiers across the nation.

The COAS speaking at the maiden Passing Out Parade of 89 Regular Recruits Intake at Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, Osun State on Saturday, disclosed that 3,500 soldiers will be deployed to stem the tide of insecurity.

Addressing the new recruits, he attested that the six months training has transformed the young men and women into disciplined, resilient, and patriotic Nigerian soldiers.

According to him, “It is indeed a thing of pride to be the pioneer set of recruits to have been trained here. You must therefore wear this badge with honour and act as worthy ambassadors of this institution throughout the span of your careers.

“You are joining the Army at a critical period in our history when our country is faced with diverse security challenges. Indeed, you have chosen a noble path of honour that is paved with challenges, but these challenges are not unsurmountable.”

He noted that the new intakes have been exposed purposeful leadership which will be useful for them on the field, urging them to reflect upon the values that they imbibed during training and in the moments of adversity, they should draw strength from training’s guiding principle of success.

He added that the current threat landscape of Nigeria has brought to the fore, the need for increased recruitment towards a surge in our manpower strength, saying “the new intake should be mindful.

COAS said, “An increase in quantity without a corresponding enhancement of the quality of our troops will negate the entire strategic goal. It is therefore gratifying to state here today that apart from Depot Nigerian Army Zaria and Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army, Abakaliki, will come on stream very soon.

“Going forward, the training curriculum in all 3 of our Depots will be modified and streamlined to focus on marksmanship and other requisite field craft skills necessary to produce fit, adept and result-oriented soldiers.”

He disclosed that necessary measures have been put in place to cater for soldiers’ welfare and wellbeing in and out of service.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast belief and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, noting that “His strategic guidance has indeed been pivotal to our successes and milestone achievements.”

Earlier, in the remark of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, he pleaded with the COAS to help the state to fight against the infiltration of bandits from Kwara to Osun State.

He promised to provide necessary support for the military to achieve its mission by combating any aggression against peace of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

He said, “I seek further support of the military and especially the Army to contain infiltration of bandits into Osun from Kwara state. The threat is real and we strongly believe the ongoing operation will contain the threats.” (The Nation)