The chief of army staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed optimism that the new insurgent group, Lakurawa, will soon be eradicated, citing strengthened cooperation with Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.
He also revealed that the Nigerian Army had adopted a fresh strategy to tackle the country’s emerging security threats,
He made this assertion while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
During his visit, Major General Oluyede emphasised his commitment to improving Nigeria’s security landscape and promised a fresh approach to tackling insecurity.
“I am here to reassure Mr President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security,” he said. “I intend to explore doing things differently, which will lead to better results.”
The Army Chief also provided updates from his recent visits to military formations in the Northwest and Northeast.
He disclosed that his interactions with officers and soldiers emphasised the urgency of ending insecurity in the country.
“I was there to speak with my officers and soldiers and to make them realise the need to bring all these forms of insecurity to an end. I made it clear that I expect better results in the future,” he said.
On the cross-border dimension of Lakurawa’s activities, Major General Oluyede highlighted increased collaboration with the neighbouring Niger Republic as a key factor in the fight against the insurgents.
“We are striking them on the Nigerian side, and what usually happens is that they flee to the Niger Republic. Now that the Niger Republic is coming on board, very soon, Lakurawa will be a thing of the past,” he stated.
On his visit to the Villa, he said, “Well, in a way, it’s related to my appointment; I am here to reassure Mr President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security and that I’m going to explore doing this maybe in a different way.
“I’ll get some other results that will make Nigeria better. My primary aim is to come and seek his support, which he has been doing over the years, and I expect him to help us do better.”
Army Chief Seeks Novel Strategies For Emerging Threats
Similarly, Lieutenant General Oluyede has urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.
The Army Chief gave the charge on Monday while addressing Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters after a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure to conclude the final stage of his formal takeover of command as the 24th chief of army staff.
In a statement by Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the COAS reaffirmed his resolve to adopt an all-inclusive leadership approach to foster a collaborative and effective army capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He commended the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the former COAS, the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who, he noted, had offered dedicated service to the nation.
General Oluyede emphasised the importance of innovation in proffering security solutions.
Recalling his recent visit to Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI troops in the North East theatre of operation, the COAS assured of his commitment to providing the needed support and morale to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
He said the Army recognised the fluidity of emerging security challenges and the rapidly evolving security landscape and was determined to stay ahead of the curve.
He enjoined commanders at all levels to fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism and insurgency in the northeast and other volatile regions in the country.
On his part, the chief of administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor, described the event as a solemn regimental procedure.
