Details of What Ag Chief of Army Staff Told Soldiers to Do Against Insurgents and Bandits
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged Nigerian Army officers and soldiers on the frontline to remain resolute and never turn their backs on insurgents, bandits, or any other threats to national security.
General Oluyede made the statement during his address to the troops at Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State on Wednesday. This occurred shortly after he officially handed over the Command of the Infantry Corps to Major General Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim. Prior to his appointment as Acting COAS on October 30, 2024, General Oluyede served as the Commander of the Infantry Corps.
In his remarks, the Acting COAS assured the soldiers that the Army’s leadership under his command would prioritize the welfare of the troops and their families. He also emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing the challenges facing the Army.
However, General Oluyede stressed the importance of the soldiers’ commitment to their duties. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and emphasized that their identity as soldiers should drive them to perform their tasks with excellence. “We are soldiers, and soldiering is what we must do. We must do our job,” he declared.
He further assured the soldiers of their capability to tackle security challenges, saying, “When Nigerian soldiers set their minds to solving a problem, they will solve it.” He urged the troops to remain courageous, warning them against retreating in the face of danger, as doing so would only make them vulnerable targets. “These criminals are cowards; do not run from them. You must either be a soldier or go home. Be fearless, be bold, and face our enemies to make Nigeria safer.”
General Oluyede promised Nigerians that the Army would intensify efforts to combat criminal elements, with a focus on ensuring national security.
Earlier, during the formal handover ceremony, Major General Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim, the newly appointed Commander of the Infantry Corps, acknowledged General Oluyede’s significant contributions to the Corps. He praised the Acting COAS for his leadership and for advancing the Infantry Corps through professional initiatives and infrastructure development.
In his address, Major General Ibrahim committed to leading the Infantry Corps with integrity, courage, and dedication, while continuing to uphold the vision set by General Oluyede for both the Infantry and the Nigerian Army as a whole.
