The Nigerian Army has listed separatist agitations as one of the biggest challenges confronting the stability of the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, who disclosed this on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State at the passing-out parade of the 84 regular recruits intake, announced that 6,251 newly recruited soldiers would be deployed to counter the agitators and other activities of criminal elements.
Yahaya also listed activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, religious extremists among others as numerous security challenges facing the country.
The army chief promised that the army would surmount the various security challenges confronting the country with the support of the federal government.
“The army with the support of the Federal Government will continue to do everything possible to surmount the various security challenges confronting the country until Nigeria becomes safe for all.
“The adoption of cyclic training, which allows each recruit to undergo every aspect of training, has made you a strong force to be reckoned with,” Yahaya told the recruits.
He said with the passing-out, the strength and combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army would be enhanced with 6,251 well-trained men.
He tasked the new soldiers on loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others which he described as the core values of the Nigerian Army.
“You are expected to always do your utmost best to sustain these values through high professional standards in order to enhance your individual ability and our overall combat-readiness.
“I urge you to assimilate and retain the mental, physical and spiritual training given to you at this institution,” he charged.