By Augustine Ehikioya
Unlike other conventional endeavours of life, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General, Faruk Yahaya, has warned prospective intakes not to see recruitment into the Nigerian Army as employment opportunity.
He said they should see the recruitment as a call to defend Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The Army Chief made the observation on Saturday 7 January, 2023 shortly before flagging off a 10Km endurance run for candidates undergoing screening to qualify for the 84 Regular Recruits Intake into the Nigerian Army (NA) at the Nigerian Army Battle Fitness Centre (NABFC) in Falgore forest, Kano State.
“Elucidating his position, the COAS pointed out, that unlike other professions, recruitment into the NA is a national call to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria and therefore requires citizens who are not only physically and medically fit, but also mentally and emotionally stable.
“He noted, that it is not a job opportunity, but a call to national service, as it requires selflessness and if need be, the supreme sacrifice, stressing, it is not an all comers’ affair.”
The Army Chief also advised the candidates to take the screening seriously, as only the best will emerge in the final enlistment.
He called on the personnel conducting the screening exercise to protect their integrity by avoiding any form of compromise.
Speaking during a brief on the ongoing Screening Exercise to the COAS, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Wilson Ali, said that the progressive provision of infrastructure, such as electricity, portable water, upgrade of medical centre, dormitories and lavatories in the centre, have enabled a conducive environment to effectively conduct the exercise.
He assured the COAS of a hitch free screening exercise.
The COAS later embarked on a tour of the facility and paid a visit to candidates who were receiving attention at the medical centre.
The Army Chief was accompanied on the tour by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, GOC 1 Division, Commandant Depot NA and Commander 3 Brigade.