•Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on podium
Top military officials, including several Major Generals, converged on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, today, May 22, for the First 2025 Bi-Annual Conference organised by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
This crucial meeting which was held at the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment comes at a time when certain areas of the North East, particularly Borno State, are experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks and other criminal activities, reports The Nation.
One of the key highlights of the conference was the unveiling of new “Vanquish Armoured Tankers” by the COAS, which were subsequently handed over to the Theatre Commander North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
According to Ishaku Duwa, a staff member of the manufacturing company, each new Vanquish Armoured Tanker boasts “Night Goggle Vision, can move for over 80kms on flat tyres, all suspension change and 360° (Degree) protection.”
Declaring the conference open, Lt. Gen. Oluyede emphasised that this “pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.”
He stated that during the three-day deliberation on topical issues, the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, aims “to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.”
General Oluyede urged the Nigerian Armed Forces not to let current setbacks “dampen their spirit,” but instead to foster “commitment, sacrifices and practical strategies to end insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other form of crimes in the country.”
He further added that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to “aligning on the kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.”
Despite acknowledging the “renewed pockets of attacks in the North East, North West and other parts of the country,” General Oluyede assured that “there is no cause for alarm, as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are fully committed in bringing lasting peace and development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).”
He expressed his appreciation, stating, “It is my pleasure to join you all here in the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House Maiduguri for the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2025. The highlights from the deliberations have been well received and will certainly assist in guiding the decisions and directives that shall stem from this Conference.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) for holding the fort in my absence. I also extend a most profound gratitude to other principal staff officers, Formation Commanders, corps commanders, heads of Nigerian Army institutions or establishments and everyone here who has ensured that the activities went on without hitches.”
He continued, “Nevertheless, I encourage us all to continue in the same stead and passion, so that we can have an even more productive outing going forward. As we continue with the schedule of activities today, it is my expectation that this pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.
“During the deliberation on topical issues, our goal will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.
“Recall that during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024, I acknowledged the need for the Nigerian Army to commit towards aligning our kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment, ‘ the COAS said.
Addressing the evolving threat, General Oluyede observed, “It is evident that the terrorists have adopted new strategies that are aimed at shaping the battlespace in their favour.”
He lamented however that, “We have recorded a number of incidents where our brave warriors have paid the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their legitimate duty. The loss of these brave men is deeply regrettable and serves as a painful reminder of the depth of sacrifice that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army continue to make in the defence of our great nation, Nigeria. However, we must not allow these setbacks to dampen our spirit or diminish our collective resolve to stamp out that which seeks to ridicule the sanctity of our sovereignty.”
While highlighting the importance of collaboration with sister agencies, , he said, “As the Nigerian Army continues to prioritize its efforts for the best possible results, the ability to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and institutions at the federal and state government levels, have aided us in fulfilling our mandate.
Therefore, as we continue our deliberations and discussions, we must not forget the opportunities that inter-agency cooperation borne from effective collaborations afford us and its multiplier effect on our operations.”
The Nigeria Army Chief concluded by expressing gratitude: “At this juncture, we are immensely grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic for his strategic guidance and support which have continued to ensure our successes in various operations.
I also extend my most sincere appreciation to the various state governors, heads of services and institutions, our royal fathers, members of the press and the great citizens of our dear country, Nigeria. In many ways than one, you have contributed to the fight against terrorism, criminality and the ill wind that accompanies them,” he said.
