ZARIA, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed newly trained soldiers to apply “decisive force” against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening national security.
Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of recruits under the Restore Hope initiative for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria.
“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,” the Army Chief said.
He added that, “The era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us,” stressing the need for adaptive and intelligence-driven military operations.
The COAS urged the recruits, who are due for formal induction into military service within days, to remain professional and resolute while confronting criminal elements.
He emphasised that all operations must be conducted in line with established Rules of Engagement and the highest standards of military ethics.
Shaibu congratulated the recruits for completing what he described as modern and rigorous training, assuring them that the Nigerian Army is strengthening its operational capacity with the acquisition of modern combat equipment and ongoing procurement of additional capabilities.
The Restore Hope initiative, according to the Army, is a specialised programme aimed at instilling discipline, resilience, and loyalty among recruits while preparing them to effectively tackle evolving security threats across the country.
Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-East, prompting intensified military efforts to restore peace and stability.
