The Nigerian Army has reiterated that recruitment into the army should not be perceived as a job but as a call to uphold the integrity of the nation.
Onyema Nwachukwu, Brigadier General and Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Saturday that the Chief of the Army General Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, made the observation on Saturday in the Falgore forest, state of Kano, a recruiting site, before marking the start of a 10-kilometer endurance race for candidates undergoing selection.
According to Yahaya, recruitment into the Nigerian Army was to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as opposed to employment in other sectors.
He said the recruitment required applicants who are in good health, mentally and physically fit, who are emotionally stable, stressing that the exercise requires selflessness and, if necessary, the ultimate sacrifice, adding that it is not a newcomer’s affair.
He urged the candidates to take the selection seriously, as only the best will emerge in the final enlistment.
Gen Yahaya also admonished the personnel carrying out the evaluation exercise to protect their integrity by avoiding any form of compromise.
In response, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Wilson Ali, stated that the progressive provision of infrastructure, such as electricity, drinking water, and the improvement of the medical center, dormitories, and toilets in the center, allowed for a conducive environment for effectively conduct the exercise, as well as ensured COAS a smooth screening exercise.
