By Moh Bello Habib Zaria
No fewer than 151 graduates of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, have been enlisted as soldiers by the Nigerian Army at the end of their six-year training in the school. Our correspondent reports that their automatic enlistment was occasioned by the resumption of military training in by school as directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, with a view to providing middle-level manpower.
Addressing the Young Soldiers at their passing out parade at RSM Zakari Yamusa Coomassie Parade ground recently, the Army Chief who was the receiving officer said the Army was committed to the “unity and indivisibility of the country and would do everything possible to ensure that no part be occupied by criminal elements.
” Buratai pointed out that the Army would continue to support civil authorities at ensuring that all citizens were protected. The COAS represented by General Officer Commanding, First Division, Maj.- Gen. A. Oyebade, said: “Army as you all know has been involved in the support of civil authorities in maintenance of internal security in addition to its constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“The escalating level of insecurity in the Country has much to do with the level of training our children are exposed to from the beginning. “Having an Institution that will ensure that children are inculcated with high level of discipline, knowledge and patriotism is what all stakeholders in the Nigerian project should encourage.”
He added: “On our part, we will continue to ensure that all training Schools in the Nigerian Army are provided with the basic facilities to ensure excellence and proficiency. “I have given directive for deliberate efforts to be taken for the purpose of repositioning our command schools in line with standard established by Nigerian Military Schools.
” The COAS advised the Young Soldiers to carry on with the same spirit to the various they were posted to. He assured them of Army Headquarters support as long as they remained disciplined and dedicated to all assigned duties.
