The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar S.M. Wase, has encouraged members of the 89th Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) to pursue additional military courses after passing out, stressing that continuous training is essential for achieving professional competence and career advancement.
He gave the charge while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the Beating of the Retreat ceremony held in honour of the 89th RRI at the Depot Nigerian Army (NA) Parade Ground in Zaria.
Major General Wase reminded the recruits that military training does not end with their initial phase at Depot NA.
“Training in the Nigerian Army is a continuous process and will last throughout your career,” he said.
He noted that the ceremony marked the official conclusion of all training activities for the intake, except for the Passing Out Parade scheduled for 13 December 2025.
“Depot Nigerian Army has introduced you to the initial military training which is the foundation you need to build your career upon,” he added.
The GOC praised the recruits for their performance during the competitive events leading up to the ceremony.
“From what I witnessed today, it is clear that all the training companies competed keenly in the various events that were aimed at enhancing their training in this institution. This is evident by the number of trophies displayed before the respective companies,” he said.
Wase congratulated the winning companies and individuals who earned laurels, while urging others not to be discouraged.
“For those who were unable to win any individual laurel, note that you will always have several opportunities to excel in the course of your career as soldiers,” he assured.
He described the Beating of the Retreat as an important part of the training cycle, serving as a moment of reflection and recognition.
“It is a period for stocktaking where recruits, training companies, and staff who distinguished themselves are rewarded either individually or collectively,” he said.
The GOC also commended the Commandant of Depot NA, Major General Ahmadu Bello Muhammad, his staff, and instructors for the progress recorded in training the recruits, which culminated in the day’s ceremony.
In his welcome address, the Commandant revealed that 3,500 recruits began the training programme, and 3,439 are set to pass out in two days.
He acknowledged that the rigorous training had stretched the institution’s human and material resources to their limits.
Major General Muhammad expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for his unwavering support throughout the training cycle. He also appreciated the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Warrant Officers Academy (WOA), Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), 1 Division, and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) for their collaboration in joint field training exercises.
“These joint efforts have brought realism into the training and afforded the recruits the opportunity to know the officers and soldiers they will work with upon passing out,” he said.
The Commandant further applauded his instructors and staff—especially the Chief of Staff, Commander Recruits Centre, Chief Instructor Training Branch—for their dedication.
“I say a big well done for making what was undeniably a daunting task easily achieved,” he stated.
The 89th Regular Recruits Intake is expected to officially pass out on 13 December 2025.
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