COAS Advises Fresh Officers to Put Country First, Uphold Military Values
As part of the renewed drive to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency on Security, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal has charged newly commissioned officers to place national interest above all else and uphold absolute loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
General Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday, 6 December 2025, during the Passing Out Parade of Executive Commission Course 2/2025, held at the prestigious Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji. The COAS stated that the commissioning of this new set of officers forms a critical component of the President’s directive to expand manpower, strengthen frontline deployments and accelerate security stabilisation efforts nationwide.
The Army Chief expressed confidence in the quality of training received by the officers, noting that their exceptional display of parade and weapon handling reflects the Army’s rising standards at a time when the nation demands heightened operational vigilance.
He urged them to remain uncompromisingly apolitical, disciplined and subordinate to civil authority, stressing that professionalism and constitutional loyalty remain the bedrock of military service.
General Shaibu further reminded the officers that their commission comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security history, where terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats require mission-focused, courageous and ethically grounded leaders.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NASI, Major General Frank Etim, stated that the training curriculum was deliberately restructured to align with the emerging security threats. He revealed that the 250 officers, including 14 female officers underwent intensive courses in Counterterrorism, Counterinsurgency, Leadership, Physical Conditioning and Tactical Command, ensuring they are battle-ready for ongoing and future operations across the country.
He noted that the training instilled core military values of loyalty, courage, discipline and integrity, which remain indispensable for officers expected to take up leadership tasks in an increasingly complex operational environment.
Awards were presented to outstanding officers who distinguished themselves in academics, field exercises and leadership performance during the course.
The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s security emergency action plan through massive recruitment, rigorous training, enhanced readiness and strategic deployments across all theatres of operation.
