The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged young people from the South-East to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army by enlisting for military service, expressing concern that recruitment quotas allocated to the region have consistently remained underutilised.

Shaibu made the appeal on Wednesday during the maiden Passing-Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the 90 Regular Intake at the newly established Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

Describing the occasion as a historic milestone, the Army Chief said the depot, established on November 25, 2025, is the third recruit training depot of the Nigerian Army and the first primary military training institution in the South-East geopolitical zone.

He noted that the establishment of the training facility reflects the Federal Government's commitment to national integration, inclusiveness and balanced development, while also strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army to address emerging security challenges.

Shaibu disclosed that the pioneer recruits form part of the first batch of 14,000 personnel approved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's strategic force expansion initiative, which is expected to bring a total of 28,000 new soldiers into the Nigerian Army.

Addressing the graduating recruits, he urged them to remain disciplined, loyal and professional throughout their military careers. He also stressed the importance of respecting human rights, adhering to the Armed Forces' rules of engagement and exercising caution in the use of social media.

The Army Chief warned that the unauthorised publication of operational information, photographs or other sensitive military materials on social media could attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal from service.

He further assured personnel of the Federal Government's commitment to improving their welfare through enhanced accommodation, healthcare services, training opportunities, modern equipment and increased investment in local defence production.

Shaibu commended Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his support in establishing the training depot and also acknowledged the contributions of the host communities, instructors and training staff to the successful graduation of the pioneer recruits.

Representing Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described the event as a significant milestone for Nigeria's security architecture and the development of the South-East.

Emetu stated that security remains the bedrock of sustainable economic growth and investment, adding that the Abia State Government would continue to collaborate with security agencies to promote peace, stability and development across the region.

He also praised the Nigerian Army for expanding its training capacity and commended the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for the ongoing modernisation of military training institutions nationwide.

Earlier, Governor Francis Nwifuru described the establishment of the depot as a landmark achievement for both Ebonyi State and Nigeria, saying it would enhance national security, stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure and strengthen civil-military relations.

The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and appealed for the completion and full equipping of the proposed Nigerian Military Reference Hospital in Ebonyi State to serve the South-East region.

He also requested the release of about 982.7 hectares of Army land in Abakaliki to facilitate the expansion of the state capital, assuring that the state government would, in return, construct major healthcare and support facilities for the depot.

The ceremony featured colourful slow and quick march-pasts by the pioneer recruits, presentation of awards to outstanding recruits and instructors, as well as the conferment of the traditional chieftaincy title, "Omeudo I," on the Chief of Army Staff by the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The event attracted serving and retired military officers, senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, captains of industry, representatives of the diplomatic community, families of the graduating recruits and other distinguished guests from across the country.