COAS Charges Newly Commissioned Officers to Uphold Loyalty, Discipline and National Duty

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Army to uphold absolute loyalty to the Constitution, maintain discipline and place national interest above personal considerations as they step into their roles.

In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele,
General Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday, 6 December 2025, during the Passing Out Parade of Executive Commission Course 2/2025 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji.

According to the statement, the COAS noted that, the commissioning of the officers supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State of Emergency on Security, which calls for expanded manpower, strengthened frontline deployments and accelerated stabilisation efforts across the country.

Commending the officers for their impressive parade display and weapon-handling skills, the COAS said their performance reflects the Nigerian Army’s rising professional standards at a time the nation requires heightened vigilance.

He urged them to remain apolitical, disciplined and fully subordinate to civil authority, noting that professionalism and constitutional loyalty remain the bedrock of military service.

General Shaibu added that the officers are joining the Army at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security history, when terrorism, banditry and other threats demand courageous, mission-focused and ethically grounded leadership.

Earlier, the Commandant of NASI, Major General Frank Etim, said the training curriculum was redesigned to meet emerging security challenges. He disclosed that the 250 officers including 14 female officers received intensive training in Counterterrorism, Counterinsurgency, Leadership, Physical Conditioning and Tactical Command, preparing them for operations across the country.

He said the training also reinforced core values of loyalty, courage, discipline and integrity, which are essential for officers expected to lead in an increasingly complex environment. Outstanding trainees were presented with awards for excellence in academics, field performance and leadership.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s security emergency plan through large-scale recruitment, rigorous training, enhanced readiness and strategic deployments nationwide.