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Tag: Olufemi Oluyede

  • Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army top ranks

    Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army top ranks

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has approved a major shake-up in the Nigerian Army with the redeployment of senior officers into key command and staff positions.

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt -Col. Appolonia Anele, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Anele said the postings affect Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, and Brigade Commanders.

    She said that Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka was appointed Chief of Logistics (Army), Maj.-Gen. A.A. Adekeye became Chief of Personnel Management (Army), and Maj.-Gen. T.B. Ugiagbe took over as Chief of Standard and Evaluation.

    She added that Maj.-Gen. A.A. Idris was named Chief of Military Intelligence (Army); Maj.-Gen. M.O. Erebulu was also appointed Provost Marshal (Army).

    “Others include Maj.-Gen. E.A. Anaryu as Corps Commander, Supply and Transport, and Maj.-Gen. J.E. Osifo as Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.

    “Maj.-Gen. S.A. Akesode was posted as Head of Mission, African Union Verification Mission in Tigray, Ethiopia.

    “The new GOCs are Maj.-Gen. A.S.M. Wase, appointed GOC 1 Division/Commander Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, appointed GOC 2 Division/Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA,” she said.

    Anele further disclosed that Maj.-Gen. M.O. Ihanuwaze had been appointed new Commandant, Nigerian Army Finance School, Maj.-Gen. K.O. Osemwegie heads the Army Signal School, while Maj.-Gen. A.J. Aliyu takes over at the Ordnance School,

    She added that Maj.-Gen. A.C. Adetoba becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management.

    “Also redeployed are Brig.-Gen. M. Jimoh as Commander, 1 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. N.E. Okoloagu as Commander, 2 Brigade, and Brig.-Gen. A.A. Bello as Commander, 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE.

    “Oluyede charged the newly appointed officers to redouble their efforts in sustaining ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and other security threats, while assuring that troops’ welfare remained his priority,” she added.

  • COAS orders probe of viral video on troops’ feeding

    COAS orders probe of viral video on troops’ feeding

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video,  showing troops allegedly expressing dissatisfaction over food supplies.

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja,

    The video, which surfaced on social media and had since been picked up by mainstream outlets, featured soldiers displaying food items purportedly sent by military authorities.

    While the full context and authenticity of the video remained unclear, the COAS said the matter would be treated with utmost concern.

    According to him,  findings from the investigation will be made public in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

    The COAS  reaffirmed commitment to troops’ welfare, emphasising the army’s “Soldier First” initiative, which,  prioritised the well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of personnel and their families.

    He  urged personnel to channel complaints through established military procedures rather than resorting to unauthorised platforms, which is a violation of military ethics and discipline.

    He  restated the dedication of the Nigerian army to maintaining high standards of leadership, integrity, and troop’s welfare in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

    “Troops’ welfare remains  topmost priority, in line with consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian army toward bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

    “This philosophy is further reinforced in the recently launched “Soldier First” Concept, which places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions.

    “The Nigerian army encourages personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints especially on welfare services.

    “The use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline.

    “The Nigerian army reassures all its personnel and the general public that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops’ welfare and institutional integrity in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate.

    “The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remains central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success.”

  • Army warns youth against social vices

    Army warns youth against social vices

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned Nigerians against social vices including cultism, drug abuse, and related behaviours.

    He issued the warning on Saturday during a public speaking event at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi.

    The event was part of activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

    Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, represented the COAS and emphasised the need for positive values among young people.

    In his speech, delivered by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, Sidi expressed gratitude for the Army’s progress in recent years.

    Sidi reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to national resilience and the advancement of security efforts across the country.

    He highlighted the COAS’ vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a motivated, combat-ready force capable of handling diverse challenges.

    The commander urged students to be patriotic, embrace honesty, and avoid all forms of criminal activity.

    He encouraged them to apply knowledge and skills towards personal growth, community development, and national progress.

    Sidi also stressed the COAS’ commitment to strengthening operational strategies through continuous engagements and reforms.

    He reiterated the Army’s dedication to national security, the rule of law, and supporting Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

    Lieutenants Gbemisola Ojowa and Hassan Abdullah held interactive sessions, explaining Nigerian Army career paths and entry requirements.

    They advised students to avoid bad company, cultism, drug use, and other behaviours with destructive consequences.

    Mr Alfred Obayelu, the school principal, thanked the COAS and 12 Brigade for choosing their school for the 2025 NADCEL event.

    He said the Army’s presence serves as a warning to criminal elements in the community to desist or relocate.

    Students’ representatives, Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme improved their knowledge of Army careers and dangers of drug abuse and cultism.

    The event featured the distribution of educational materials to students and presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries.

    The week-long celebration marks the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army with prayers, church services, and public speaking sessions.

  • COAS visits troops in Niger after bloody encounter with terrorists

    COAS visits troops in Niger after bloody encounter with terrorists

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has departed for Niger to visit troops of the Nigerian Army and assess the recent security situation in the area following recent encounter with terrorists in the area.

    The visit comes after a fierce battle between troops and terrorists which resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the COAS was expected to meet with troops and commanders to assess the situation and provide guidance on how to intensify the fight against terrorism.

    The COAS has vowed to ensure that the military does everything possible to protect lives and property, and to defeat the terrorist groups that have been terrorising communities in the region.

    The visit is also expected to boost the morale of troops who have been battling terrorists in the region.

    The military has been working tirelessly to restore peace and security in the area, and Lt-Gen. Oluyede’s visit is seen as a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to supporting its troops and ensuring their safety.

    The COAS’ visit is expected to shape the military’s strategy in the region, with a focus on enhancing security measures and protecting civilians.

    The Nigerian army’s efforts to defeat terrorism in Niger and beyond will be reignited with Oluyede’s leadership playing a key role in guiding troops on the ground.

  • We will go after Benue killers – COAS reassures

    We will go after Benue killers – COAS reassures

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Army will  bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

    Oluyede made this known on Saturday in Akure during a second quarter 2025 media chat organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters.

    The media chat was themed “Military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development”.

    The COAS, represented by Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., Nigerian Army, Ibadan, said the military was fully committed to ending the spate of violence, particularly in North-Central Nigeria.

    Oluyede, who said that the president had given very clear orders, explained that they would remain engaged in Plateau, Benue, Kwara and quite a number of states that were experiencing insecurity.

    “We are out, fully deployed and tackling the menace head-on. In Benue particularly, you will see in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.

    “Communities and local stakeholders should support military operations by sharing timely intelligence:

    “The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country but we are not as large in number as many people believe.

    “We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.

    “In some cases, unfortunately, the people are not very helpful in terms of the information they give out, which delays our reaction time. That must change if we are to win this fight together,” he said.

    The COAS called on media personnel to verify facts before publication, and help in building national security and development to combat misinformation and sensational reporting,

    According to him, the social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.

    “So, we are appealing to the media practitioners to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.

    “We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting,” he said.

  • Stand by your oath, be ready to fight terrorism – Army Chief charges new recruits

    Stand by your oath, be ready to fight terrorism – Army Chief charges new recruits

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has tasked the new recruits of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, in Kaduna State, to remain prepared to fight terrorism and insurgency in the country.

    The Chief of Army Staff emphasized the importance of upholding the Nigerian Army’s core values.

    Speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the 6,195 of the 88 Regular Recruits Intake on Saturday, Oluyede stressed the importance of courage, professionalism, and resilience in the face of adversity.

    He also reminded the recruits that the life of a soldier is one of sacrifice and patriotism, noting that the “Nigerian Army is a professional institution tasked with the mandate of securing the sovereignty of our great nation, Nigeria.”

    “As you pass out today and take your place in this noble profession, be aware that you will form part of our nation’s solutions to the challenges of terrorism and insurgency.

    “Therefore, wherever you are deployed, your actions must be a reflection of your training, and you must display courage in the face of adversity.

    “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and your journey began on January 13, 2025, when you commenced your basic training.

    “You have been prepared for anything the world will throw at you, and I assure you that you will face challenges that may initially seem insurmountable.

    “Stand by the oath you have taken and do your duty without forgetting our core values of discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, courage, and respect for others.

    “These values will form the compass that will lead you to your finest hours in the face of adversity,” he said.

    Oluyede charged the recruits to strive for excellence in their duties, noting that “Your actions must be a reflection of your training, and you must display courage in the face of adversity.

    “You must be trustworthy and committed to a currency of excellence, determination, and selfless service.”

    The Chief of Army Staff assured the recruits that their welfare was his topmost priority.

    “I urge you to take a quick, well-deserved break and be ready to receive the next set of recruits, as the process for the 89 Regular Recruits Intake has already reached an advanced stage.

    “I assure you of the Army Headquarters’ support in always realising your training objectives”. COAS said.

    Oluyede expressed appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and other stakeholders for their support to the Nigerian Army.

    “I appreciate the President, Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast belief in and support of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

  • Crush terrorists to ground without mercy – COAS tells soldiers

    Crush terrorists to ground without mercy – COAS tells soldiers

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Friday ordered Commanding officers and soldiers to crush and clear terrorists without showing any mercy out of the Nigeria’s territory.

    Oluyede gave order while declaring COAS Bi Annual conference close in Maiduguri, where top ranking army generals brainstormed for three days to discuss the way forward to safeguard national peace and security.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, there is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors to peace.

    “Thus, I charge each and every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground

    “They (terrorists) seek to disrupt our way of life and destroy the society that our forefathers built. We will not allow such to happen,” COAS said.

    He insisted that every strategic decision made at the conference must be adopted to achieve the set objectives of the first Bi Annual conference.

    “As a fallout of our deliberations, will in the coming weeks, induct more combat enablers into our operations.

    “However, we need to understand that the strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie on the weapons we place on the battlefield, but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them.

    “Accordingly, it behoves on everyone seated here to show exemplary leadership, to mentor (soldiers) and guide the next generation on the right path.

    “Today, we are faced with an adversary that threatens the very fabrics of our socio- cultural heritage.

    “It is worthy to note that the depth of discourse and clarity of thought expressed during our sessions reflected the intellectual regour and strategic foresight required to thrust the Nigerian Army into the future filled with unprecedented possibilities.

    “I therefore, make bold to say that the objective of this first Bi Annual conference have largely been achieved judging by the well articulated inputs and contributions that have surpassed my expectations concerted efforts with be made to implement these suggested measures in our current and future engagements,” Oluyede said.

  • Army dismisses claims of automatic promotion

    Army dismisses claims of automatic promotion

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has introduced automatic promotion for personnel who have served in their current ranks for five years or more.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu described the claims as misleading and baseless, saying it was a deliberate misinformation calculated to mislead personnel as well as members of the public.

    He explained that promotion in the army was a structured, merit-based exercise governed by clearly defined statutory regulations and provisions, adding that it is neither arbitrary nor subject to social media speculations.

    According to him, the conditions for elevation in rank are meticulously outlined in the Nigerian Army Administrative Policies and Procedures (Revised 2023), and the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Soldiers, Ratings and Airmen (2024).

    “Among others, key requirements for promotion by the Armed Forces include but not limited to serving the stipulated minimum period on a substantive rank.

    “Successful completion of requisite professional courses, maintaining satisfactory disciplinary and performance record and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.

    “It must be emphasised that the Nigerian Army, like other Services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, adhere to unified standards of promotion criteria.

    “The Nigerian Army will, therefore, not deviate from these established protocols, which ensure fairness, professionalism, and operational effectiveness across the services.

    “The public is thus urged to disregard the deceptive publication, that the COAS has introduced an automatic promotion for personnel who have served in their current ranks for five years or more, as it by no means holds any credibility.”

    Nwachukwu added the army chief remained resolute in his commitment to the welfare, career progression, and professional development of personnel, as encapsulated in his “Soldier First” mantra.

    “He will not act in a manner that will insidiously undermine due process and international best practice,” he said.

  • What new Chief of Army Staff said after assuming command

    What new Chief of Army Staff said after assuming command

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to adopt an all-inclusive leadership approach to foster collaborative and effective army to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

    Oluyede made the pledge while addressing Principal Staff Officers after Regimental Quarter Guard procedure for his formal taking over of command as the 24th COAS on Monday in Abuja.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday in Abuja.

    The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He emphasised the importance of innovation in proffering security solutions and urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.

    Oluyede assured of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

    He said the army recognised the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as 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.

    Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Ohwonigho Akpor, described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old Nigerian Army flag had to be retired to museum for custody.

    Akpor said it was supposed to be presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the Nigerian army.

  • Senate confirms Oluyede as substantive Chief of Army Staff

    Senate confirms Oluyede as substantive Chief of Army Staff

    The Senate on Tuesday at plenary confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    The confirmation followed the adoption of a report of the Committee on Army on screening of Oluyede.

    The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC-Katsina).

    Yar’Adua said the committee was impressed with the high level of understanding, achievements and excellence stated in the credential of the nominee.

    He said the nomination of Oluyede is in line with Section 217, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

    He also said that the nomination is in accordance with the provisions of Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act.

    He explained that “the nominee possesses the required competence, experience and educational qualifications to be conferred with Chief of Army Staff.

    Yar’adua said the nominee had been cleared by the DSS, and went through the correct process of promotion till date, qualifying him to occupy the position of Chief of Army Staff.

    He said the committee had diligently and meticulously conducted the screening of the nominee and was satisfied with his conduct, competence, experience and educational qualification and

    urged the Senate to confirm the nomination.

    The Senate, thereafter, confirmed the appointment of Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.