By Tola Gbadamosi
In a bid to reposition the Nigerian Army (NA) for effective delivery on its mandate, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has 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.
In a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Chief disclosed this on Monday, December 9 2024, while addressing principal officers of the Army Headquarters.
The address followed a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure, marking the final stage of his formal assumption of command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff.
During the significant occasion, the COAS commended officers and soldiers of the NA for their support, strength, and commitment during the solemn period leading to the burial of the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whom he described as a dedicated servant of the nation.
The Army Chief emphasized the importance of innovation in addressing security challenges and urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.
Recalling his recent visit to troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operation, the COAS reiterated his commitment to providing troops with the necessary support and morale to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the fluidity of emerging security challenges and the rapidly evolving security landscape, affirming the Army’s determination to stay ahead of the curve.
He urged commanders at all levels to devise innovative ways to end terrorism and insurgency in the northeast and other volatile regions across the country.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor, described the event as a solemn regimental procedure during which the old NA flag was retired to the NA museum for custody.
He explained that the flag, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, serves as an honour and a reminder of the former COAS’s command of the Nigerian Army.