With parts of the North-East witnessing renewed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP, senior military officers from across the country converged in Maiduguri on Thursday for the Chief of Army Staff’s First Bi-Annual Conference of 2025.
The high-level gathering, hosted by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, comes amid concerns over the evolving security dynamics in the region and other parts of Nigeria.
Declaring the conference open at MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment, Gen. Oluyede explained that the three-day forum would serve as a platform to reassess military strategy and reinforce national security architecture through enhanced inter-agency cooperation and community engagement.
According to him, “This conference is timely. It presents an opportunity for reflection, strategic alignment, and operational foresight in response to the changing nature of our security environment.”
The Army Chief noted that while the Armed Forces continue to record progress, recent incidents have underscored the need to adapt quickly to new insurgent tactics.
He warned that Nigeria’s adversaries are evolving, and the military must stay ahead by embracing innovation, collaboration, and flexibility in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
The COAS commissioned a fleet of newly acquired Vanquish Armoured Tankers, handing them over to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
According to Engineer Ishaku Duwa, a representative of the manufacturing firm, each vehicle is equipped with night-vision capability, advanced suspension, flat-tyre mobility of up to 80 kilometres, and 360-degree ballistic protection—designed to support deep-field operations and troop safety.
Gen. Oluyede vowed that the Nigerian Army would not relent in its mission to secure the country.
He urged officers not to be discouraged by recent losses in the line of duty, describing them as sacrifices that must inspire greater determination.
“We have lost brave men to the battlefield—each loss deeply regrettable and painful. Yet, these sacrifices strengthen our resolve. We must not allow such setbacks to weaken our spirit,” he said.
The Army Chief also commended the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies for their continued cooperation, which he described as instrumental to the military’s successes in joint operations.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as to state governors, traditional rulers, and citizens for their contributions to peace-building and national unity.
“As we deliberate, let us remember that our strength lies not only in weapons, but in the will to serve and in the unity of purpose. Together, we can overcome the forces that seek to destabilise our nation,” he added.
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