BREAKING: Several Imo Army recruits injured in road accident en route to Zaria training depot

Several candidates recently shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army from Imo State sustained varying degrees of injuries after the vehicle conveying them to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State, was involved in a road accident on Saturday morning.

Military sources told Journalists that the victims were among successful recruitment candidates travelling to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, where they were expected to commence their basic military training.

According to a military source familiar with the incident, the journey was being coordinated under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel P.D. Ngal when the accident occurred.

“The candidates from Imo State were on their way to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria to begin their recruit training when the accident happened this morning,” the source said.

Videos obtained by Journalists reportedly showed several injured candidates lying by the roadside and inside vehicles as emergency responders and other motorists worked to evacuate them. Many of the victims were subsequently taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the accident and the number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.

The Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria is the training institution for newly recruited soldiers, where successful applicants undergo months of basic military training before being enlisted into the service.

Military sources explained that, unlike cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who are trained as officers, recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army undergo training to become non-commissioned soldiers.

The source further disclosed that the accident could have implications for some of the injured candidates, noting that recruits who sustain severe injuries before or during training may be declared medically unfit to continue with the programme.

According to the source, candidates who suffer serious fractures or other injuries that prevent them from completing the physically demanding training are usually withdrawn from the exercise, even after successfully passing the recruitment process.

“The Army will not train candidates with severe injuries. If a recruit sustains a serious injury, such as a broken leg, and cannot complete the training, the person may be disqualified,” the source said.

Sahara Reporters

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