By Helen Udo.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has described the establishment of Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a major milestone that will strengthen national security, promote regional stability and accelerate socio-economic development in the South-East.
Governor Nwifuru made the remarks while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Ebonyi State Government to consolidate peace and security.
This was contained in a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on 7 July 2026 in Abuja.
The COAS explained that his visit was to witness the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, describing the event as a historic achievement in the Army’s ongoing transformation of its training and force generation system.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the depot is the first Nigerian Army recruit training depot in Nigeria’s South-East and was established in line with the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen operational readiness, expand manpower generation and ensure equitable distribution of military infrastructure across the country.
He described the facility as a strategic national asset that will produce disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing emerging security threats while enhancing military presence and national integration in the South-East.
The Army Chief also commended the Ebonyi State Government for its consistent support to the Nigerian Army and called for stronger collaboration in intelligence sharing, civil-military relations and the protection of critical national assets.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the professionalism of Nigerian Army personnel in defending the country’s sovereignty and maintaining internal security.
He acknowledged the Army’s contributions to sustaining peace in Ebonyi State, noting that the improved security environment has created opportunities for economic growth, investment and development across the state.
The governor further described the establishment of Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a landmark achievement that will strengthen the Army’s manpower base, stimulate local economic activities, improve regional security and foster national unity.
Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed the Ebonyi State Government’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Nigerian Army and pledged continued support to enable the military effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
