The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has affirmed that the Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in its commitment to winning all land battles in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Oluyede made this statement on Saturday during a Christmas Luncheon with the troops of Sub Sector 5, Operation Fansan Yamma, in Kachia, Kaduna State. He was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
Emphasising his priorities, Oluyede highlighted that personnel welfare would be a top focus, alongside recognising excellence and ensuring an efficient system of rewards and sanctions, stating, “This is in furtherance of my command philosophy.”
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He outlined his vision as: “Consolidating 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.”
Oluyede expressed gratitude to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and sacrifices in addressing the country’s security challenges. He specifically acknowledged those deployed to various theatres and peacekeeping operations, who would be away from their families during the festive period due to the demands of duty.
“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and property are deeply appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and our allies,” he said.
The COAS further urged Nigerian Army personnel to remain focused, disciplined, and loyal to the authorities, while fully committing to their constitutional responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment. He called for continued patriotism and dedication in carrying out their duties.
Oluyede also expressed his thanks to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, while pledging the army’s full loyalty. “The Nigerian Army will remain committed, determined, and focused on winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, to protect her national interests and accomplish other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.
In his address, Maj.-Gen. Saraso, speaking in his capacity as GOC, noted that the security situation in his division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) had remained volatile and complex. However, he highlighted that the division had succeeded in maintaining stability, as evidenced by the relative security along the strategic Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and the Abuja-Kaduna road/rail corridor.
“Several kidnapped victims have been rescued or released unconditionally, while many bandits have laid down their arms due to the division’s proactive kinetic and non-kinetic engagements. These modest successes have been made possible through the collective dedication and sacrifices of our gallant troops in the field,” Saraso said.
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that the troops remain continuously motivated to accomplish all statutory and assigned tasks.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr James Kanyip, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kachia Council Chairman Manzo Maigari, traditional leaders, and members of both the National and State House of Assembly.
