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 been underutilised.

Shaibu made the appeal on Wednesday during the passing-out parade of the pioneer recruits of the 90 Regular Intake at the newly established Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State.

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

According to him, the establishment of the training facility reflects the Federal Government's commitment to national integration, inclusiveness and balanced development, while enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army to tackle evolving security challenges.

Shaibu disclosed that the pioneer recruits are among the first batch of 14,000 personnel approved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's strategic force expansion programme, which targets the recruitment of 28,000 soldiers into the Nigerian Army.

He urged the newly graduated soldiers to remain disciplined, loyal and professional throughout their careers, stressing the importance of respecting human rights, adhering to the Armed Forces' rules of engagement and maintaining high ethical standards.

The Army Chief also warned against the unauthorised sharing of operational information, photographs and other sensitive military materials on social media, noting that such actions could attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal from service.

He further assured officers and personnel of the Federal Government's continued 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 supporting the establishment of the training depot and also appreciated the host communities, instructors and training staff for their contributions to the successful graduation of the pioneer recruits.

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

Emetu noted that security remains the foundation for sustainable economic growth and investment, assuring that the Abia State Government would continue to work closely with security agencies to promote peace and stability across the region.

He also commended the Nigerian Army for expanding its training capacity and praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for ongoing efforts to modernise military training institutions across the country.

Earlier, Ebonyi State Governor, Barr. Francis Nwifuru, described the establishment of the depot as a landmark achievement for both Ebonyi State and Nigeria, saying it would strengthen national security, stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure and enhance 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 approximately 982.7 hectares of Army land in Abakaliki to support the city's expansion, pledging that the state government would, in return, provide major healthcare and support facilities for the depot.

The ceremony featured colourful slow and quick march-pasts by the pioneer recruits, the 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, members of the diplomatic community, families of the graduating recruits and other distinguished guests from across the country.