Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has called on leaders, parents and guardians across the South East to encourage more young people to enlist in the Nigerian Army, saying the region has consistently failed to meet its recruitment quota.

Shaibu made the appeal during the passing-out parade of 2,989 regular recruits at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

‘The quota is not being utilised’

The Army Chief said the newly established training depot was created to increase enlistment from the South East, but expressed concern that the objective had yet to be achieved.

“The recruitment quota from this zone has not been fully utilised. This should not continue.”

He urged community leaders, traditional rulers, parents and guardians to encourage eligible young men and women to embrace military service, describing it as a noble career built on patriotism, leadership and national service.

Army warns against social media misuse

Addressing the newly recruited soldiers, Shaibu said Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, organised crime and cyber threats.

He urged the recruits to remain disciplined and committed to their responsibilities, warning that the nature of the country’s security environment requires courage, sacrifice and professionalism.

The Army Chief also cautioned personnel against violating the military’s social media policy, warning that sharing operational information, photographs, sensitive locations or unverified content online could attract severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Ebonyi pledges support

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army.

He pledged to provide a peaceful environment for military training and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and host communities in the state.