The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assumed command as Nigeria’s 24th Army Chief with the pledge to sustain ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
Oluyede made the pledge on Monday, 9th December, 2024, when he assumed command with a symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command’s flag at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
TheFact Daily recalls that Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on 30 October in an acting capacity following the indisposition of his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who later died on November 5 2024.
Oluyede’s confirmation by the Senate was announced on Tuesday, 3rd December, following the review of a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), during plenary.
During the significant occasion, Lt. Gen. Oluyede 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 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, whom he noted to have offered dedicated service to the nation.
Emphasizing the importance of innovation in proffering security solutions, Lt. Gen. Oluyede urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.
The Army Chief recalled his recent visit to troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operation, and gave assurance of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
Oluyede noted that the NA recognizes the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape and is 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.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor had described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old NA flag has to be retired to NA museum for custody, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the NA.
