RismadarVoice Reporters
June 18, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed graduating recruits of the Nigerian Army to take the battle to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s security, urging them to deny such groups any haven to operate.
Shaibu gave the charge on Thursday at the graduation ceremony of the Restore Hope Programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Addressing the recruits, the Army Chief said Nigeria is currently facing a critical security challenge as criminal groups continue to terrorise communities through abductions, killings and destruction of property.
He noted that the changing security landscape requires proactive and offensive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing them from establishing operational bases.
“The security challenges confronting Nigeria today are complex, uncertain and ambiguous. Terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats demand not only courage, but also intelligence, discipline and strategic thinking,” Shaibu said.
“The era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us.”
The COAS urged the recruits, who are scheduled for induction into military service in two days, to remain focused, professional and committed to their mission while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and respecting human rights.
He congratulated the recruits for completing what he described as a modern and rigorous military training programme, saying they represent a new generation of soldiers prepared to confront contemporary security threats.
Shaibu also assured the recruits that the Nigerian Army is strengthening its operational capacity through the acquisition of modern combat equipment and the pursuit of additional capabilities to improve effectiveness and enhance troop safety during operations.
The Restore Hope Programme is designed to instil professionalism, discipline, resilience and loyalty among recruits while equipping them with the skills required to tackle evolving security challenges and support efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
The graduation ceremony marks another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to build a highly trained and combat-ready force capable of responding to emerging security threats nationwide.
