By
Gloria Josiah
Zaria, June 22, 2026 โ The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged newly trained Nigerian Army recruits to confront bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening national security with professionalism, discipline and decisive action.
The Army Chief gave the directive on Thursday at the graduation ceremony for participants of the Restore Hope Initiative, 90 Regular Recruit Intake, held at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Addressing the graduates, Lt. Gen. Shaibu said Nigeria is facing a critical security situation as criminal groups continue to inflict hardship on citizens through abductions, killings and destruction of property.
He described todayโs security challenges as โcomplex, uncertain and ambiguous,โ noting that terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats now require more than conventional responses.
โThe 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 era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us,โ he said.
Focus on professionalism and ethics
The Army Chief, who will formally induct the recruits into service within days, charged them to remain steadfast in defending the country while strictly adhering to the Rules of Engagement and the highest military ethics.
He stressed that success against criminal elements must be achieved without compromising operational procedures or respect for human rights.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu congratulated the recruits for completing what he called a rigorous and modern training programme designed for contemporary security threats. He assured them the Nigerian Army is boosting operational capacity through the acquisition of modern combat equipment and other force multipliers to improve effectiveness and troop safety.
According to him, ongoing efforts to procure additional military assets will further strengthen the Armyโs ability to combat terrorism, banditry and emerging threats nationwide.
About Restore Hope Initiative
The Restore Hope Initiative is a specialized programme created to deepen professionalism, discipline, resilience and loyalty among recruits, while preparing them to respond effectively to Nigeriaโs evolving security environment.
The graduation was attended by senior military officers, instructors, family members and other stakeholders
