On Friday, July 24, 2026, newly recruited soldiers of the 2026 intake (ESSO) officially took their oath of allegiance to the Republic of Cyprus. The central ceremony for the Nicosia-Klirou garrison took place at the Tassos Papadopoulos-Eleftheria indoor stadium, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides. Similar events were held concurrently across various military camps and installations, including Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Famagusta, and the Nisou-Kornos region.

During the ceremonies, President Christodoulides emphasized that strengthening the National Guard remains a government priority due to the ongoing Turkish occupation and regional security challenges. He noted that the state is actively upgrading naval and air infrastructure, utilizing EU funding programs, and fostering strategic defense collaborations with France and the United States. Military leadership, including Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, addressed the recruits, highlighting their duty to defend the nation's sovereignty and independence.

Preparations for the event caused temporary traffic disruptions in areas such as Limassol, where authorities advised the public to use alternative routes near the Lanitio Stadium. Additionally, the Limassol Municipality announced temporary parking restrictions on Ioanni Polemi street due to ongoing road works coinciding with the day of the ceremonies.