.To intensify war against insurgency, banditry, others
.Zulum returns to Marte in search of lasting peace.
AHMED MARI, Maiduguri
Top principal officers, commanders and other generals stormed Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Thursday, for the First 2025 Bi-Annual Conference of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to review and restrategize their fight against Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
The COAS Conference is coming at a time when some parts of the North East, especially in Borno state, are witnessing renewed Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks and other forms of criminality.
As part of the new strategy, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, also unveiled a new Armoured Tankers which were handed over to the Chief Host, the Theatre Commander North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Each of the New Vanquish Armoured Tankers, according to the staff of the company, Engineer Ishaku Duwa has Night Goggle Vision, can move for over 80kms on flat tyres, all suspension changes and 360° (Degree) protection.
Speaking while declaring Open the Conference at the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment on Thursday, Lt. Gen Oluyede said, this pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.
The COAS said that during the 3-Day deliberation on topical issues, the Nigerian Army under his watch will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.
“It is my pleasure to join you all here in the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House, Maiduguri for the Chief of Army Staff First Bi- Annual Conference 2025. The highlights from the deliberations have been well received and will certainly assist in guiding the decisions and directives that shall stem from this Conference.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) for holding the fort in my absence. I also extend a most profound gratitude to other principal staff officers, Formation Commanders, Corps
commanders, heads of Nigerian Army institutions or establishments and everyone here who has ensured that the activities went on without hitches”, the COAS said.
“Nevertheless, I encourage us all to continue in the same stead and passion, so that we can have an even more productive outing going forward. As we continue with the schedule of activities today, it is my expectation that this pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and insight to where military and community engagements converge.
“During the deliberation on topical issues, our goal will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.
“Recall that during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024, I acknowledged the need for the Nigerian Army to commit towards aligning our kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.
“It is evident that the terrorists have adopted new strategies that are aimed at shaping the battle space in their favour”, he noted.
General Oluyede enjoined Nigerian Armed Forces not to allow the current set back to dampen their spirit, but to develop commitment, sacrifices and practical strategies to end insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other form of crimes in the country.
He assured that the Nigerian Army is committed to aligning with the kinetic and non-kinetic operations
with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.
He said that despite the renewed pockets of attacks in the North East, North West and other parts of the country, there is no cause for alarm, as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are fully committed in bringing lasting peace and development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).
He said, “We have recorded a number of incidents where our brave warriors have paid the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their legitimate duty. The loss of these brave men is deeply regrettable and serves as a painful reminder of the depth of sacrifice that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army continue to make in the defence of our great nation, Nigeria. ”
“However, we must not allow these setbacks to dampen our spirit or diminish our collective resolve to stamp out that which seeks to ridicule the sanctity of our sovereignty. As the Nigerian Army continues to prioritize its efforts for the best possible results, the ability to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and institutions at the federal and state government levels, have aided us in fulfilling our mandate, he further stressed.
“Therefore, as we continue our deliberations and discussions, we must not forget the opportunities that inter-agency cooperation borne from effective collaborations affords us and its multiplier effect on our operations. At this juncture, we are immensely grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic for his strategic guidance and support, which have continued to ensure our successes. in various operations.
“I also extend my most sincere appreciation to the various states’ governors, heads of services and institutions, our royal fathers, members of the press and the great citizens of our dear country, Nigeria. In many ways than one, you have contributed to the fight against terrorism, criminality and the ill wind that accompanies them”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Thursday returned to Marte after spending a night in the community on Saturday, to build the resilience of the people and foster peace, rebuild trust and sustainable development in the Lake Chad region.
Prof Zulum, who left Maiduguri last Saturday, has been coordinating security logistics and building resilience among communities affected by the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks.
Since last Saturday, the governor has visited 9 communities of Marte, Kala-Balge, Wulgo, Ngala, Lugumani, Gajibo, Koibe, Dikwa and Ajiri.
During the visit, Zulum held a meeting behind closed doors with military commanders aimed at working out modalities for restoring peace in Marte and the surrounding communities.
Speaking to newsmen in an interview on returning to Marte, Governor Zulum “I am here to monitor the efficacy of our ‘re-resettlement’ of the residents we conducted a few days ago. I am very happy to note that the community is fully back, and soldiers are on the ground. Normal economic activities have resumed in Marte. I am very happy, and insha Allah, normalcy will be restored soon.”
The governor was accompanied by members representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai constituencies at the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami, Permanent Secretary of Government House, and Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among many senior officials.
He also commended the federal government and the military for responding to his call for the protection of Marte from falling to the insurgents.
“The federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces have responded positively to our request to enhance security in the affected communities. We have seen many troops deployed and many pieces of equipment deployed.”, Zulum said.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the cooperation they have been giving us; without their support, we couldn’t have done much. I want, once again, to commend all stakeholders who have contributed to our search for peace and the restoration of normalcy.”, he added.
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