The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Olufemi Oluyede, has warned criminal elements to pack out of the country, emphasising that the Nigerian Army under his leadership is coming with full force.
Oluyede said this while addressing the troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna when he paid a maiden operational visit on Wednesday.
He said the adversaries should be ready to face a more serious and formidable Nigerian Army.
Oluyede disclosed that as of December 10, he signed his command philosophy, which was hinged on leadership, sound administration, and professionalism.
The COAS said that in the same command philosophy, he made it clear that soldiers would be his priority in every area.
He, therefore, said the welfare of soldiers would enable them to give their best to the course of ridding the country of criminals.
“I will try as much as possible to enhance their welfare in terms of accommodation, kitting, and training so that they can be better soldiers,” Oluyede said.
The COAS urged the soldiers at the front line to be resilient, disclosing that the Army would employ new strategies to make things better in the field by approaching operations from a different perspective.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS inaugurated the remodeled Stallion Officers’ Mess at the division’s Headquarters.
He also inaugurated two blocks of a 30 family’s accommodation at the Kotoko Barracks, Ribadu Cantonment.
In another development, the COAS charged students of Junior Course 98 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to be enterprising, diligent and resourceful.
Oluyede gave the charge while addressing the students at their regimental dinner night on Wednesday in Jaji, Kaduna State.
According to him, possessing these attributes will enable them to build successfully on their career and personal lives.
The dinner night is one of the major events lined up for the students’ graduation on Friday.
Oluyede said the objective of the college was to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers to prepare them for staff and command appointments.
In the last 23 weeks, he said the officers had learnt vital concepts like counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations, estimate processes, and manoeuvring approaches to warfare and peace support operations.
“It is also gratifying that you learnt the rudiments of time management, perseverance, determination, team spirit, staff work, self-confidence, and most importantly, discipline while on this course.
“Your leadership, dedication, and ability to inspire and guide your teams are essential to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.
“As junior leaders, you must be able to inspire confidence in subordinates and not lead through intimidation or be overtly coercive.
“Your impact significantly contributes to the overall plan and objectives at the operational and strategic levels, ” he said.
The army chief congratulated the students on the successful completion of their course.
NAN reports that prizes were given to students who distinguished themselves
