Tag: COAS

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on Nigerian Army commanders to embrace innovation and remain battle-ready. 

He assured that the military would continue to create opportunities for junior and middle-cadre officers to contribute fresh ideas for effective operational strategies.

Speaking on Thursday at a one-day seminar for junior and middle-cadre officers hosted by the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto, Oluyede emphasized the importance of recognizing hard work and learning from past failures to achieve success.

The Seminar has as it’s theme: “Enhancing Operational Effectiveness through Nigeria Army  Lessons Learned Process/Feedback Mechanism”

He said the drive was to enhance the strategic importance of creativity , innovation and efficiency of the army in operational activities to ease the discharge of its constitutional role.

” The Seminar is strategic to further the course of consolidating results as well ensure a well equipped army in an ambiguous and volatile operational environment.

” We need to enhance their capacity and ensure they are combat ready during operational engagements by reducing operational mistakes of human casualties and cost of the past through kinetic and non kinetic approach”, the COAS pointed out.

Read Also: Buni gets COAS’ supporton Yobe security

However, Lt. Gen. Oluyede who was represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, General Olusegun Samson Abai noted that the Seminar would fast track avenue for a unique opportunity for participants knowledge expansion, adding ” I will use this space to commend 8 Division Headquarters, Sokoto under Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose for it consistent dedication and commitment in combating insecurity in the northwest.

” All these are premised on NA capacity”, he noted.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), represented by the Deputy Director Training and Examination Analysis, Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, Brigadier General Olayinka Are explained that the seminar was initiated to enhance trips knowledge on how to extract, collate , analyse lessons inorder to avoid mistakes of the past while enhancing favourable operational outcomes especially in the NW theatre of operation with the view to improve on professional efficiency in line with the COAS philosophy of transforming the NA with sound administrative capacity and effective  leadership.

” Effective leadership, professionalism and combat readiness to exhume operational efficiency remain critical aspects of our operations.

” The soldier is the army. No army is better than it’s soldiers.The soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.

” The premium placed on the training of individual soldier is vital which forms a critical part of this visit and event”, he pointed out.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has told soldiers that the nation depends on them to eradicate insecurity and terrorism from the country.

The COAS spoke as the Army reevaluated its training methods and alignment with modern equipment and threats.

Addressing the soldiers at the Nigerian Army Doctrine and Training Conference at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) headquarters in Minna, the Niger State capital, Oluyede promised to prioritise the soldiers’ welfare as they battle all forms of security threats in the land.

“There are so many challenges facing us. The whole of Nigeria depends on all of us here, and we must get that clear. Nigeria is depending on us, believing that we can make a change. If a country is not secure, there is no way there will be economic prosperity. This is because no investor would invest in a place that is not safe.

Read Also: Remain focused, disciplined in fighting insecurity, COAS urges troops

“As the Chief of Army Staff, I am going to prioritise you soldiers first, because if we do not have soldiers, we won’t have officers. So, my soldiers come first. I will prioritise your welfare and see how I can make things better for you so that you can do your job well.”

Oluyede said he was aware of the challenges facing the soldiers, assuring the soldiers that he had taken steps to address them.

“I have taken all your challenges to the highest level and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to look into them. We are looking at how to improve your allowances, build more accommodations, upgrade the current accommodations and other things that would make your lives easy,” he said.

The COAS told the soldiers that even though they had heard such promises from previous leadership, his promises would be fulfilled.

He added that as the leadership of the Army were doing their best to improve the welfare of the soldiers, the soldiers should reciprocate with hard work and more dedication to their national security duty.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has applauded the officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and commitment to tackling the numerous security challenges facing the country.

The Chief of Army Staff made this appreciation in his New Year message to soldiers during a special New Year lunch at the Brigade Tactical Headquarters, Tagina, in the Rafi local government area of Niger State on New Year’s Day.

Oluyede, who was represented by the Commander 18 Brigade, Brigadier General Taiye Ahmed, charged the troops to remain focused, disciplined, and loyal to constituted authority.

He also urged them to maintain the spirit of patriotism and continue to give their best in the discharge of their assigned duties and responsibilities.

The Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmadu Attahiru II, who was represented by the Hakimin Tagina and Alhaji Garba Bako, said that the swift and timely responses of the troops had reduced security threats in the area.

He stated that establishing the 18 Brigade Tactical Headquarters at Tagina was a move in the right direction, and it has gone a long way in boosting the economy of the local government area.

The event concluded with prayers from the Chaplains for a successful and prosperous Year 2025.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, hosted a Christmas luncheon for frontline troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.

The gesture, according to s statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja, is an appreciation for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to duty.

Oluyede noted that the luncheon, usually held during major festive seasons, “help to bring troops together in a celebratory atmosphere.”

He said that the event was also organised to enable the army to give troops in the frontlines a semblance of what it would have been if they were back home with their families.

The army chief appreciated the troops for their significant contributions in the collective effort to defeat terror networks and other violent extremist groups who sought to undermine the unity, peace, and security of the nation.

He charged the troops to work towards the complete defeat of the nation’s adversaries “as the nation transits into the year 2025 in order to create the enabling environment for peace, socio-economic development and prosperity of the country.

“This is in line with his my command’s philosophy to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

Read Also: Your sacrifices ‘ll never go in vain, COAS assures wounded soldiers

The COAS reiterated his commitment to consolidating all ongoing viable welfare schemes and instituting new ones to make the troops proud of their chosen profession, and to remain committed to duty.

He urged the troops to renew their dedication by gleaning from the lessons of the season in showing love, hope, healing, and renewed vigour.

Oluyede conveyed the commendation of President Bola Tinubu and appreciation of Nigerians to all troops fighting in defence of the country.

In his goodwill message, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the troops for their sacrifices in ensuring peace and security in the state, the North East zone and the nation at large.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Bukar Tijani, paid tribute to the troops who paid the supreme price in ensuring peace and security in Borno.

He assured the army of the government’s continued support for the ongoing operations to restore peace and stability in all parts of the state.

In his welcome address, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, said the luncheon fostered the spirit of camaraderie and provided the opportunity to recount collective achievements and challenges over the past year.

Shaibu appreciated the COAS for visiting the frontline troops twice in three weeks, noting that it underscored his commitment to raising the morale of troops of Operation HADINKAI Kai.

He told the COAS that the troops would remain steadfast in their resolve to restoring normalcy in the North East Region, adding that the troops were highly motivated and committed to achieving the overall mandate of the joint task force.

Oluyede also performed the ground breaking for the construction of two blocks of 30 family accommodation in Maimalari Cantonment to demonstrate his commitment for improved welfare of the troops.

(NAN)

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on the newly decorated Major Generals to embrace the values of hard work and integrity.

Oluyede made the call on Monday in Abuja at the investiture ceremony for the 37 newly promoted Major Generals of the Nigerian Army.

He advised the senior officers to remain mindful of their elevated status, cautioning them to avoid actions that could embarrass the military.

He emphasised the need to justify the confidence placed in them through their conduct and performance.

“I wish to remind the newly promoted Major Generals that with higher rank comes higher responsibility.

“The system has played its part; now it is time for you to play yours. It is popularly said that to whom much is given, much is correspondingly expected. From now on, more accountability will be required from you,” Oluyede stated.

He highlighted the importance of their roles in national security, noting that their actions, whether positive or negative, would have significant implications for the military.

The COAS also encouraged the officers to fully embrace his command’s philosophy, which aimed to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army.

Read Also: FG to review, fortify Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, others, says Umahi

“This transformation focuses on ensuring the recruitment of a well-motivated, combat-ready force capable of effectively carrying out its responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.”

Oluyede further pointed out that, in the coming days, the officers would receive their postings and appointments.

He urged them to make his philosophy their guiding principle in their new roles.

He also reminded them that promotion to Major General marked the peak of their careers, signaling the beginning of their “home run.”

He advised them to start planning for life after service and to approach their new roles with humility, avoiding the distractions of promotion euphoria.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, congratulated the newly decorated officers, describing their promotion as a significant achievement.

Musa emphasised that the promotion was a reward for hard work and commitment, stressing that only dedicated individuals could help Nigeria overcome its current security challenges.

He reminded the officers that Nigerians looked to the armed forces for a safe and secure country, and the military must do everything possible to protect the nation’s democracy.

(NAN)

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has emphasized the importance of unwavering determination among Nigerian Army officers and soldiers to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

Gen. Oluyede stressed that the army’s commitment to excellence in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians must remain strong.

The COAS said the army would also sustain support for personnel who had incurred disabilities in the line of duty.

Gen. Oluyede said this on Monday at the 2024 COAS Annual Conference in Abuja, where he also presented cheques in millions of naira to some Next-of-Kins (NOKs) of deceased personnel of the Nigerian Army under the Group Life Insurance scheme.

He said the army’s focus would be on developing innovative strategies to confront and ultimately defeat terrorism and other threats to the peace and security of the country.

The COAS charged operational commanders to engage actively with their troops to ensure that they are motivated, prepared, and ready to tackle challenges head-on.

He challenged them to embody decisive action and set good examples that inspire the force as well as lead with determination, resilience, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to the army’s mission objectives.

He said: “We have increased the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and wanton killings across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

“The fight against terrorism and banditry under Operations HADIN ΚΑΙ and FASAN YAMMA has been intensified in the North East and North West theatres, respectively.

“In particular, Operation FANSAN YAMMA is making concerted efforts to speedily dismantle the Lakurawa terror group’s networks in the North West.

“These operations leverage enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid deployment of special forces, and synchronised air and ground offensives to establish control and neutralize threats in the region.”

Gen. Oluyede assured of his determination to ensure that the Nigerian army, under his leadership, remains steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to addressing the challenges facing our great nation.

He said: “My leadership concept aims to create an enabling environment that facilitates administrative and operational successes for the Nigerian army.”

Oluyede said that reinforced efforts were ongoing to engage local communities in information gathering and sharing to foster trust as well as promote a united stance against Lakurawa and other terrorist groups.

According to him, the broad strategy underscores their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

He said that the troops deployed in other operations had continued to collaborate with personnel of other security agencies to contain security threats in the North Central, South East, and South-South regions of the country.

Speaking on personal welfare, Gen. Oluyede expressed his commitment to upholding and, whenever possible, enhancing the existing welfare support schemes, including those for the widows and Next-of-Kin of our fallen heroes.

Read Also: Our determination to protect Nigeria must be stronger than ever – COAS

He said the army would also sustain support for personnel who had incurred disabilities in the line of duty.

He said: “These include timely financial assistance, access to healthcare, educational sponsorship for children or dependents of personnel, and other essential services aimed at providing stability to those affected by the sacrifices of our courageous colleagues.

“By prioritising these welfare initiatives, we honor their service and reinforce our duty of care, ensuring that the families of our fallen and injured personnel are respected.”

Oluyede also promised to maintain systematic troop rotations to relieve personnel who had overstayed in the field and to introduce fresh forces into our operational theaters. 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to ensure that their determination to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains stronger than ever.

Oluyede said this at the opening of the 2024 COAS Annual Conference on Monday in Abuja.

Oluyede  who gave assurance that the army would relentlessly pursue excellence in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, said the conference was designed to assess the army’s activities for the outgoing year while consolidating plans for the forthcoming one.

According to him, their focus would be on developing innovative strategies to confront and ultimately defeat terrorism and other threats to the peace and security of the country.

“I am, however, determined to ensure that under my leadership, the Nigerian army remains steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to addressing the challenges facing our great nation.

“Our determination to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity must be stronger than ever, and we will relentlessly pursue excellence in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

“My leadership concept aims to create an enabling environment that facilitates administrative and operational successes for the Nigerian army,” he said.

The COAS urged operational commanders to engage actively with their troops to ensure that they are motivated, prepared, and ready to tackle challenges head-on.

He also challenged them to embody decisive action and set good examples that inspire the force as well as lead with determination, resilience, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to the army’s mission objectives.

“We have increased the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and wanton killings across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

“The fight against terrorism and banditry under Operations HADIN ΚΑΙ and FASAN YAMMA has been intensified in the North East and North West theatres, respectively.

“In particular, Operation FANSAN YAMMA is making concerted efforts to speedily dismantle the Lakurawa terror group’s networks in the North West.

“These operations leverage enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid deployment of special forces, and synchronised air and ground offensives to establish control and neutralize threats in the region,” he added.

Read Also: Renewed Hope Ambassadors hail Tinubu over Oluyede’s appointment as COAS

Oluyede said that reinforced efforts were ongoing to engage local communities in information gathering and sharing to foster trust as well as promote a united stance against Lakurawa and other terrorist groups.

According to him, the broad strategy underscores their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

He said that the troops deployed in other operations had continued to collaborate with personnel of other security agencies to contain security threats in the North Central, South East, and South-South regions of the country.

“The sustained large-scale ground offensives supported by air and maritime assets across all theatres have continued to keep terrorists and other criminals off balance while building the confidence of the locals.

“Relatedly, our non-kinetic efforts have been hugely successful, particularly in the North West and North East regions.

“So far, we have had a large-scale surrender of terrorists and the submission of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, which ordinarily might not have been possible through only kinetic efforts.

“To this end, the Nigerian Army will upscale both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across all theatres of operations in the coming year to ensure peace is completely restored across the Country,” he added. (NAN)

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured Nigerians that the Lukarawa terror group, which has plagued parts of the country, will soon be eradicated.

Speaking to journalists on Monday after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, General Oluyede expressed confidence in Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to tackle cross-border insurgency.

“We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end, and once you hit them hard here, they tend to flee to the Niger Republic. Now that Niger Republic is coming on board, that means very soon, Lukarawa will be a thing of the past”, he said.

Oluyede also highlighted the growing cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbors in the fight against terrorism, stressing that a unified regional approach is critical.

“We need to collaborate with neighbouring countries because these issues affect them too. By working together, we can address the threat more effectively”, he said.

Read Also: Senate clear Oluyede for COAS job

The visit, according to Oluyede, was an opportunity to brief the President on his plans for a more secure Nigeria following his recent appointment.

“I am here to reassure Mr. President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security,” he said.

“I’m going to explore doing this maybe in a different way and achieve results that will significantly improve our security situation”, Oluyede said.

Reflecting on his recent visits to army formations in the northwest and northeast, the Army Chief emphasized his resolve to motivate the troops under his command, saying “I spoke with my officers and soldiers to make them realize the need to end all forms of insecurity in Nigeria.

“I made it clear that I intend to do things differently and expect better results going forward”, he said. 

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has changed the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on the frontline, never to turn their back on insurgents, bandits, and other adversaries.

General Oluyede gave the charge while addressing officers and soldiers at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State on Wednesday shortly after he handed over the Command of the Infantry Corps to Major General Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim.

The Acting Chief of Army, Lt. General Oloyede was until he was appointed Acting COAS on Wednesday 30th October 2024 the Commander of Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.

The COAS while addressing the troops assured them the Army authority under his command will prioritize the welfare of soldiers and their families, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing the challenges of the Army.

He however asked the troops to reciprocate the gesture by doing their work well, saying that, they must not allow adversity to define who they are, saying that, “we are soldiers and the act of soldiering we must do. We have to do our job.”

The COAS said: “I know the Nigerian soldiers are equal to the task and once they make up their minds to solve a problem, they will solve that problem. So, you must promise me that you will end the security problems of Nigeria.

“You must not run away from battles, because when you do that, you will be turning your back to the enemies and then, you will become a better target. These people disturbing our country are cowards, you do t need to run away from them.

“You must make up your mind to either be a soldier or go home. Therefore, you must be fearless, you must be bold to face the adversaries and make Nigeria safer,” the Chief of Army Staff said.

He assured Nigerians that, the Army under his command would go all out for the criminal elements and make Nigeria a more secure nation.

Read Also: Criminal element should be ready for good run -Acting COAS

Earlier, during the handing over ceremony, the new Infantry Corps Commander was to keep the flag flying, as the Infantry Corps remains the largest chunk of the Nigeria Army, hence the need to move the infantry forward.

In his taking over remarks, the Acting Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim applauded the Acting COAS for his several years of efforts, which have moved the Infantry Corps forward professionally from where he has met it in terms of laudable initiatives and huge infrastructural improvements.

While pledging to lead the Infantry with integrity, courage, honour, and utmost dedication, by embracing best practices, Major General Ibrahim promised to key into the laudable vision of General Oluyede for the Infantry and the Nigerian Army.