Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured Nigerians of renewed vigour from the army formations in combating the myriad of security challenges bedevilling parts of the country.

The Army chief, who was the reviewing officer and special guest of honour, disclosed this at the Passing out Parade of the 85 Regular Recruit Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, on Saturday.

Mr Lagbaja said the passing out of 6,315 recruits would bridge one of the gaps identified by the army in its fight to tame insecurity.

He assured that in the coming days, law-abiding citizens would witness renewed stability and an atmosphere of peace, enabling them to go about their lawful businesses.

“I must underscore that the new soldiers are joining the Nigerian Army when our country is faced with a myriad of security challenges.

“The variety of threats they will be posted to manage in the field includes insurgency in the North East, banditry and cattle rustling in the North West, farmers/herders clashes in the North Central.

“Others are secessionist agitation and cultism in the South East, militancy and vandalism of national assets in the South-South, to mention but a few.”

The COAS tasked the commandant Depot NA and his team to take a few months from now to the next recruitment to reflect on how to improve training to align the products of Depot NA with emerging requirements in the field.

He assured that the Nigerian Army Headquarters would continue to support the training objectives of the institution by providing adequate facilities and equipment.

While congratulating the new soldiers, Mr Lagbaja tasked them to exhibit a high sense of loyalty, professionalism, and discipline to enable them to succeed.

In an interview with journalists at the event, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, expressed optimism that the new soldiers would augment the army’s efforts in its fight against insecurity.

The governor, therefore, made a special case for Kaduna State to deploy more personnel in areas affected by banditry and insurgency to restore peace and stability in the affected areas.

(NAN)