The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a strong directive to soldiers across the country, urging them to eliminate terrorists and criminals without showing any mercy.
He gave the order on Friday while declaring the Nigerian Army’s first biannual conference of 2025 closed in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The three-day conference brought together top-ranking military officers to review strategies and strengthen national security efforts.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors to peace,” Oluyede said. “Thus, I charge each and every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground. They (terrorists) seek to disrupt our way of life and destroy the society that our forefathers built. We will not allow such to happen.”
The Army Chief emphasized that all strategic decisions made during the conference must be fully implemented.
He revealed that the Nigerian Army would soon induct more combat enablers to reinforce ongoing operations across the country.
“As a fallout of our deliberations, we will, in the coming weeks, induct more combat enablers into our operations,” he announced. “However, we need to understand that the strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie in the weapons we place on the battlefield but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them.
“Accordingly, it behoves everyone seated here to show exemplary leadership, to mentor (soldiers) and guide the next generation on the right path,” he added.
He also urged senior officers to show strong leadership and mentorship, noting that the current security threats are aimed at the foundation of Nigeria’s cultural and social values.
“Today, we are faced with an adversary that threatens the very fabric of our socio-cultural heritage. It is our duty to guide the next generation of soldiers and secure the future of this nation,” Oluyede stated.
Reflecting on the success of the conference, he commended the level of discourse and contributions made during the sessions, saying they exceeded his expectations.
“It is worthy to note that the depth of discourse and clarity of thought expressed during our sessions reflect the strategic foresight we need to drive the Army into the future filled with unprecedented possibilities.,” he said.
“I therefore make bold to say that the objective of this first biannual conference has largely been achieved, judging by the well-articulated inputs and contributions that have surpassed my expectations; concerted efforts will be made to implement these suggested measures in our current and future engagements,” Oluyede added.
Leave a Comment