Nigerian Army to re-strategize operations amidst security challenges – COAS
By SADIQ ABUBY, Maiduguri –
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced that the Nigerian Army is re-evaluating its strategies to address the prevailing security challenges in the North East and other parts of the country.
During his working visit to Maiduguri on Saturday, Lt. Gen. Oluyede assessed the situation on the ground and interacted with officers and soldiers. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army operations would be re-strategized to ensure adequate security across the country.
The COAS encouraged officers and soldiers to put in more effort and dedicate themselves to restoring peace and safety for citizens. He also assured that their welfare and benefits would continue to improve, alongside logistics and equipment to counter insurgents.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede urged the government and people to support and cooperate with the military to successfully combat security challenges. He appreciated the support of the state government, other security agencies, and the media in the collaborative efforts.
During his visit, the COAS also visited wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Hospital and inspected equipment. He plans to visit other military formations in Damaturu and Monguno before returning to Abuja.
He had earlier paid courtesy call on Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Government House Maiduguri and briefed him on his mission to Maiduguri Borno State as his first state of call since his appointment as the 24th COAS because of his concern about the State and military operations.
He assured the governor that Nigerian Army will not relent on its efforts until peace return completely to the state and region as well as North West and other parts of the country.
COAS appreciated the state government’s support and cooperation to the Nigerian Army for its collaborative efforts towards restoration of peace while assuring the steadfastness and commitment of the military to restore peace in the state, region and Nigeria.
In his remark, Governor Zulum congratulated COAS over his appointment and assured him of his government’s continuous support to restore peace in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
Zulum added that his government planned to resettle all the IDPs to their communities with the support and cooperation of the military, while commending their bravery especially the Theater Commander, Maj. Gen. Shaibu Wahidi and few Brigade Commanders.
He urged COAS to create military formations like brigades and battalions in some of the communities to enable people to return to their communities while pledging to mobilize additional CJTF and vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the military during operation.
Zulum enjoined the officers and soldiers to be more courageous and fearless to counter the insurgents to make life meaningful to the people towards returning socio economic activities of the citizenry especially in the northern part of the state like Abadam, Kukawa and Guzamala LGAs , promising to provide more operational vehicles for the security agencies.