FIC Report (Abia State) – The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has warned newly enlisted soldiers against the misuse of social media and called on youths in the South-East geopolitical zone to embrace military service, saying the region must take full advantage of its recruitment quota in the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief gave the charge on Wednesday during the maiden Passing-Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State, where he described the establishment of the depot as a landmark achievement in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and expanding the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
He said the Amasiri-Edda Depot, established on November 25, 2025, is the third recruit training depot of the Nigerian Army and the first primary military training institution in the South-East geopolitical zone, adding that its establishment reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national integration, equitable development and the strengthening of the country’s defence capability.
According to the Chief of Army Staff, the graduating soldiers are part of the first batch of 14,000 recruits under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approved 28,000-man force expansion initiative designed to boost the manpower strength of the Nigerian Army in response to emerging security threats.
He commended President Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and resources that made the establishment of the depot possible, noting that the initiative would significantly improve the Army’s ability to produce disciplined, professional and mission-ready soldiers.
The Army Chief also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing him as one of the founding fathers of the depot for his unwavering support from the groundbreaking ceremony to the successful take-off of the institution.
He equally commended the Commandant, instructors and training staff for their professionalism and dedication in transforming the pioneer recruits into combat-ready soldiers capable of supporting counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other security operations across the country.
Addressing the graduating recruits, the Chief of Army Staff urged them to remain disciplined, courageous and professional, reminding them that the training they had received was only the foundation for a lifetime of military service.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security environment continues to evolve with threats ranging from terrorism, insurgency and banditry to cybercrime, separatist violence and transnational organised crime, making continuous training and professionalism essential.
The Army Chief charged the soldiers to uphold human rights, respect the rules of engagement and remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army wherever they are deployed.
He warned that the unauthorised posting of operational information, military activities, troop movements, sensitive locations and other classified materials on social media constitutes a serious breach of military regulations.
According to him, any personnel found violating the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s social media policy would face disciplinary measures, including dismissal from service, adding that such actions compromise operational security, weaken discipline, damage the Army’s reputation and waste the nation’s investment in training military personnel.
The Army Chief further appealed to traditional rulers, parents, community leaders and stakeholders across the South-East to encourage more young people to enlist in the Nigerian Army, lamenting that the region has consistently failed to utilise its recruitment quota.
Describing military service as a noble calling founded on patriotism, sacrifice and national service, he urged South-East communities to embrace the Amasiri-Edda Depot as their own institution and support efforts to encourage youth participation in military service.
He assured officers and soldiers of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving their welfare through enhanced accommodation, healthcare, modern equipment, continuous training and greater investment in local defence production.
Meanwhile, Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, commended the Chief of Army Staff for his commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army through the expansion of military training infrastructure.
Represented at the event by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic national investment that would strengthen military training capacity, deepen civil-military relations and reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that security remains the foundation of sustainable development and reaffirmed the commitment of the Abia State Government to continued collaboration with security agencies in promoting peace and stability across the state and the South-East region.
Governor Otti also commended the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff in modernising military training facilities and applauded Governor Nwifuru and the people of Ebonyi State for partnering with the Nigerian Army to establish the depot.
Earlier In his remarks,the Governor of Ebonyi State,Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the passing-out parade as the fulfilment of a shared vision between the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigerian Army, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting military institutions and strengthening security through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development.
The highlights of the event was the Slow and quick march past done by the recruits and presentation of Award of prices to deserving recruits and instructors.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
08/08/2026
