By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has charged graduating recruits under the Restore Hope initiative to decisively confront bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the nation.
He gave the charge on Thursday, 18 June 2026, during the graduation ceremony of the Restore Hope programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Zaria.
Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasised that Nigeria is currently passing through a critical period in its history, as criminal elements masquerading as bandits and kidnappers continue to inflict hardship on citizens through abductions and the wanton destruction of lives and property.
According to a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the Army Chief said “The security challenges confronting Nigeria today are complex, uncertain and ambiguous. Terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats demand not only courage, but also intelligence, discipline and strategic thinking. The era of relying solely on conventional responses to unconventional threats is behind us.”
He urged the recruits, who will be inducted into military service in two days’ time, to remain resolute, professional and uncompromising in dealing with criminal elements, while operating within the Rules of Engagement and the highest standards of military ethics.
The COAS congratulated the graduating recruits for successfully completing modern and rigorous military training.
He assured them that the Nigerian Army has acquired modern combat enablers and is pursuing the procurement of additional capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness and make the task of soldiering more efficient and safer.
The Restore Hope initiative is a specialised programme designed to further inculcate professionalism, discipline, resilience and unwavering loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while preparing recruits to effectively respond to the country’s evolving security challenges.
