The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Training Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to strengthen the Army’s combat capacity through the production of more well-trained soldiers.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, disclosed this on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, where he served as the Reviewing Officer.

Shuaibu said the approval was granted by President Bola Tinubu and would bring the number of Army training depots in the country to three, complementing the existing facilities in Zaria, Kaduna State, and Oshogbo, Osun State.

According to him, the Abakaliki depot will soon become operational and will support the Army’s strategic plan to increase troop strength and enhance operational effectiveness nationwide.

The COAS added that training curricula across the depots in Zaria, Oshogbo and Abakaliki would be harmonised to ensure uniform standards, effective partnerships and the acquisition of relevant military skills.

He congratulated the newly passed-out recruits, describing their success as a testament to hard work, resilience and determination.

“As you begin this new phase of your lives, you have answered one of the highest clarion calls to national duty any Nigerian can make,” Shuaibu said.

He urged the recruits to see themselves as part of the solution to Nigeria’s security challenges and to uphold selfless service, discipline and professionalism throughout their military careers.

Shuaibu also disclosed that the Passing Out Parade for recruits trained at the Depot Nigerian Army, Oshogbo, would hold next week.

A total of 3,500 young Nigerians began the training programme on July 1, with 3,439 successfully completing the exercise.