The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has averred that many of the terrorists, particularly those affiliated with the Lakurawa group, have been decimated and are on the run due to the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Army (NA) in synergy with sister services and other security agencies.
Oluyede said this on Thursday, while addressing troops during his operational visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Fansan Yamma and the Headquarters 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in Gusau, Zamfara State capital.
It will be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede on Monday 17 February 2025 commenced series of rigorous operational visits to Nigerian Army formations in the North West theatre to assess and reinvigorate ongoing operations aimed at mitigating security challenges in that part of the country.
Having been briefed by the Theatre Commander Operation FANSAN YANMA, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, and the Commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum on the operational activities of their formations, the Army Chief commended the bravery and dedication of the troops, acknowledging their significant achievements in neutralizing several terrorist kingpins.
He further charged troops to sustain the onslaughts and apply ingenuity in the ongoing military operations against terrorism in the NorthWest.
While noting with satisfaction, the improvements in troops’ commitment to their tasks and their critical role in safeguarding the nation’s defence and security, the COAS equally extolled members of the public for their support in the fight against terrorism.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between the military and the civil populace, stressing that their cooperation and support are crucial in enhancing operational effectiveness.
At the Headquarters 1 Brigade, the COAS assured the troops of continued logistics and moral support, and reaffirmed his resolve to provide the necessary combat enablers and welfare to sustain their morale and efficiency.
He reiterated the need for ‘esprit de corps’ and ‘camaraderie’ amongst the troops to enhance their efficiency, while calling on all to “make Nigeria safe together.”
The Army Chief was accompanied by the Commander Infantry Corps Major General Abdulkalifa Ibrahim, Chief of Operations (Army) Major General Robert Sinjen, Chief of Logistics (Army) Major General Erema Akerejola, General Officers Commanding 1 and 8 Divisions Major Generals Mayerinso Saraso and Ibikunle Ajose, as well as the Provost Marshal (Army) Major General Abubakar Garba.
