By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has advocated deepened indigenous technological solutions to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

Oluyede made the call while declaring open the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week 2025 in Kano.

The annual event, which runs from June 16 to 20, is being hosted in Kano and brings together senior serving and retired military personnel, defence experts, and representatives of sister services and security agencies.

Represented by the Chief of Training (Army) Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo, Oluyede said the Nigerian Army had adapted its ‘Order of Battle, Training and Doctrine’.

According to him, the move is to address emerging security challenges, adding that these successes would not have been possible without the contributions of the Combat Support Arms.

“The Combat Arms would rarely achieve success in battle without adequate fire and engineer support, effective communication as well as actionable intelligence,” the COAS said.

He commended the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Intelligence Corps for their ongoing innovations, acquisitions, and training efforts.

Oluyede stated that many of these developments would be showcased during the training week.

“The Combat Support Arms Training Week is a platform for strategic reflection and professional development.

“I urge participants to come up with practical recommendations that would enhance combat readiness, professionalism, and sound administration,” he said.

The COAS also lamented the military’s over-reliance on foreign equipment, highlighting the associated financial costs and its impact on Nigeria’s quest for technical self-reliance.

“I commend the choice of this year’s theme: ‘Harnessing the Capacity of Combat Support Arms Through Indigenous Technology for Effective Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.

“This reflects our collective aspiration to build homegrown capabilities.

“I assure you that the Nigerian Army leadership would continue to invest in local solutions and provide necessary support to realise this goal,” Oluyede explained.

The COAS also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Army.

Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to upholding its constitutional responsibilities, adding that personnel remained loyal and ready to defend the nation.

Earlier, the Commander, Corps Signals, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said COSAT Week provided a platform for personnel of the Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence to share ideas, review strategies, and advance professionalism in supporting the Combat Arms.

“The 2025 edition is aimed at fostering professionalism and brainstorming on how gunners, sappers, signallers and intelligence personnel can effectively support combat operations,” he said.

According to him, this year’s theme, ‘Harnessing the Capacity of Combat Support Arms through Indigenous Technology for Effective Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment’, aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote local content and innovation.

He said embracing local technology would boost the Nigerian Army’s self-reliance and enhance its ability to respond to both current and emerging threats.

Ugbo stated that the Nigerian Army’s efforts must be well-coordinated and integrated with sister services, the academic community, and other stakeholders to achieve effective results.

“This is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which seeks to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force operating within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he added.

The commander said five lectures have been lined up for the week, alongside a static display of new equipment and innovations developed by the Combat Support Arms.

He urged the participants to engage freely, be open-minded, and take full advantage of the knowledge shared by resource persons and experts.

In a remark, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to safeguarding lives and property, pledging to strengthen ongoing security initiatives across the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security, retired AVM Ibrahim Umar, the governor said that his administration remained resolute in its efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani