Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has firmly stated that the Nigerian Army is determined to prevent a resurgence of the severe insecurity that gripped the northeast region in 2015.
During a courtesy visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu on Wednesday, General Oluyede, who is in Yobe to evaluate troop performance, assess operational progress, and bolster morale in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, made this pledge.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, who addressed Gov. Buni with other senior Yobe Government officials and his commanders, reassured the people of Yobe State that despite recent security challenges, improvements are imminent and possible.
“Having worked very hard and achieved peace in Yobe as a commander, I cannot sit and watch that peace eroded as a Chief of Army Staff now,” the COAS assured.
He disclosed plans for the deployment of additional operational enablers and the reinforcement of troops, underscoring the Army’s commitment to establishing enduring stability.
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“Let the people of Yobe State rest assured, progress is coming, and they have no cause for fear,” he declared.
The Army Chief also emphasised the necessity of national unity, warning that Nigeria’s survival hinges on a collective response to insecurity.
“This fight requires everyone’s cooperation—not just Yobe’s people, but all Nigerians. If we fail, we risk losing our country,” he stressed.
Drawing attention to the escalating crisis in the Sahel region, General Oluyede cautioned about the potential for further destabilisation.
“The region is ablaze. If we allow the flames to spread south, disaster looms. We must stand strong now, greater challenges await.”
Governor Buni commended the military’s dedication and pledged the state’s continued support to ensure the restoration of peace in Yobe and across the Northeast.
The governor called on the Army to develop a workable profiling model for people will to volunteer information instead of arresting them.
The COAS’s delegation included the Theatre Commander, Major General AE Abubakar, and other senior military officers, including the Provost Marshal (Army), Major General A. Garba, and the Artillery Corps Commander, Major General ZL Abubakar, among other senior officers.