Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has expressed confidence that the new insurgent group, Lakurawa, will soon be eradicated, citing stronger cooperation with Nigeria’s neighboring countries.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, General Oluyede revealed that the Nigerian Army had implemented a fresh strategy to combat emerging security threats across the nation.
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“I am here to reassure Mr. President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security,” Oluyede said. “I intend to explore doing things differently, which will lead to better results.” The Army Chief emphasized his dedication to improving the country’s security landscape.
Oluyede also updated the media on his recent visits to military formations in the Northwest and Northeast, where he engaged with officers and soldiers about the urgency of addressing the security challenges in the country. He stated, “I was there to speak with my officers and soldiers and to make them realize the need to bring all these forms of insecurity to an end. I made it clear that I expect better results in the future.”
The COAS also addressed the cross-border activities of Lakurawa, explaining that collaboration with neighboring Niger Republic was crucial to combating 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 affirmed.
General Oluyede further sought the President’s continued support in achieving his goals for the Nigerian Army. “I am here to seek his support, which he has been offering over the years, and I expect him to help us do better,” he added.
In his address to the Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters following his formal takeover as the 24th COAS, Oluyede urged commanders to think creatively and develop innovative strategies to tackle emerging security threats. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in maintaining a capable and adaptive army to meet the nation’s security challenges.
“Commanders at all levels must fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism and insurgency in the northeast and other volatile regions,” he said.
The COAS also commended the officers and soldiers for their dedication and support, particularly during the solemn period following the passing of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the former COAS.
