Take Fight To Bandits’ Enclave, Army Chief Orders Young Soldiers

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed graduating recruits of the Nigerian Army to take the fight to bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements and deny them the space and freedom to threaten the peace, security and sovereignty of Nigeria.

The COAS gave the charge at the graduation of the Restore Hope Programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Zaria, on Thursday.

In a statement, the Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele Shaibu, said Nigeria is currently passing through a critical phase in its history, as criminal elements masquerading as bandits and kidnappers continue to terrorise communities through abductions and the wanton destruction of life and property.

He stressed that the evolving security environment requires proactive, offensive operations to dismantle criminal networks and deny them safe havens.

“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 era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us,” he said

He urged the recruits, who will be inducted into military service in two days, to remain resolute, mission-focused, and relentless in pursuing criminal elements while operating within the Rules of Engagement and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.

The COAS congratulated the graduating recruits for completing modern and rigorous military training, describing them as a new generation of soldiers prepared to confront contemporary security challenges. He further assured them that the Nigerian Army has acquired modern combat enablers and is pursuing the procurement of additional capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness and make soldiering more efficient and safer.

The Restore Hope initiative is a specialised programme designed to inculcate greater professionalism, discipline, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while preparing recruits to respond effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges and to contribute to the restoration of peace and stability across the nation.