The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned Army officers to uphold absolute loyalty to the Constitution and place national interest above all else as Nigeria intensifies its security response.
He delivered the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of Executive Commission Course 2/2025 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji.
General Shaibu said the commissioning of 250 officers including 14 female officers is part of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to expand manpower and strengthen operations under the ongoing State of Emergency on Security.
According to him, the officers’ performance on parade and in weapon handling reflects the Army’s rising standards at a time of growing threats.
“Your commissioning comes at a defining moment. Terrorism and banditry demand leaders who are mission-focused, courageous and grounded in ethics,” he said.
He reminded the officers to remain disciplined, apolitical and subordinate to civil authority.
Earlier, NASI Commandant Major General Frank Etim said the officers completed intensive courses in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, leadership and tactical command, designed to make them battle-ready for field deployments.
Outstanding trainees were honoured with awards at the event.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s security emergency plan with more recruitment, tougher training and strengthened deployments nationwide.
