COAS - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jul, Mon, 2025

COAS pledges to boost troops’ combat readiness through regular training

By Rita Iliya

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to conduct regular intensive training of troops to bolster their combat readiness for deployment to all manner of operations.

He made this known at the graduation ceremony of some troops at the end of their 21-week training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) on Saturday in Kontagora, Niger.

The training, tagged “Exercise Fast Bolt III,” was organised for troops of the Special Operations Battalion, designated as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion 10.

Oluyede, who said that the training was aimed at enhancing troops’ operational competence, reflected his command’s philosophy of prioritising combat readiness through consistency and standardised mission orientation.

He explained that the exercise was a vital platform for the army to sustain its personnel for deployment across various theatres of operations.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSA YAMMA, Oluyede commended the troops for their outstanding performances.

He noted that their performances demonstrated and affirmed the effectiveness of the training approach.

The COAS added that the exercise was revitalised and conducted in double stream, and was extended from three to six months to deepen and enhance troops’ operational competence and tactical acumen.

Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, the Commander, NATRAC, in an address of welcome, congratulated the trainees for their perseverance, resilience and doggedness.

He said that the training was a mission-oriented initiative aimed at enhancing the operational competence of the troops.

Sokoya further explained that NATRAC was an elite training institution saddled with the responsibility of conducting realistic mission-specific training in various current and future operations.

He added that the training was to provide troops with requisite combat proficiency skills in support of the COAS’ command philosophy.

He enjoined the troops to apply what they had learned, going forward, adding that it would help the army to prepare personnel for deployment, and urged them to imbibe the spirit of warrior ethos that had been instilled in them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also witnessed the promotion and decoration of Sgt. Joshua Danju, who rescued an armoured vehicle and other armaments during an attack at Kwana Dutse, to Staff Sergeant.

The event’s highlight included training review, tug-of-war, certificates presentation, tree planting, and inauguration of two newly constructed accommodation apartments to alleviate NATRAC’s accommodation challenges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

COAS tasks media on prioritising national security

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Tue, 2025

Defence/Security

COAS tasks media on prioritising national security

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says the media has a responsibility to provide timely and useful information to the public while ensuring that such information does not compromise national security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of 2-day training for Media Operatives in Nigeria.

The training was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs.

Oluyede represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, noted that the Nigerian Army was taking a proactive approach in its collaboration with the media.

He said this was with a view to building trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.

He noted that the Nigerian army had strived to strike a strategic balance between protecting law-abiding citizens, national security, and the media’s right to disseminate information.

He explained that the training highlighted the significance of collaboration between the military and the media in addressing security challenges.

According to him, as security situations evolve, public institutions like the media must also adapt to meet the challenges of our time.

”This training is timely, especially with the Nigerian Army deployed in various theatres of operation.

”Its objective is to facilitate a conducive working relationship between the military and the media.

”I believe it is essential for security agencies and the media to engage in forums like this, as both parties work towards the same purpose; a secure Nigeria where every individual is important.

”I am encouraged by the array of speakers lined up for this event and I am confident that we will all be better equipped to advance national security.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said that addressing the evolving national security challenges required a whole-of-society approach.

Chibuisi said that building a mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting between the military and media was crucial.

He revealed that the training was part of the Nigerian army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations and fostering an informed, professional, and secure information environment.

According to him, this strategic collaboration aims to expose media professionals to the Army’s doctrines, operations, and communication strategies.

”Accurate and constructive reporting can galvanize national support, enhance accountability, and contribute positively to collective security.

”A well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against security threats.

”This initiative bridges the knowledge gap between security forces and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security interests.”

The CCMA urged the participants to engage actively, ask questions, and seek clarity on complex issues.

He expressed appreciation to the COAS for his strategic direction and support, expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen the rapport between the army and the media.

In his goodwill message, the Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Mufutau Ojo, commended the Nigerian army for organising the training.

Ojo said that the training underscored the need for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian media and the military, especially at a time when the nation was being assailed by multi-dimensional security challenges.

”This initiative we are witnessing today will certainly foster understanding and effective communication between the Nigerian military and the media; ultimately enhancing national security and public awareness,” he said.

Similarly, the Director News, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed the need to understand how to consolidate the responsibilities of the military and media

Musa said that while the media was tasked by law to preserve national integrity and national peace, the armed forces were in charge of maintaining or preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as national peace and integrity.

She called for access to timely and accurate information, adding that lack of accurate information gives room for speculation.

”We are not in the business of speculation, but it is always better if the information is granted to the media so that they can report it accurately to the satisfaction of everybody towards achieving national peace,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

COAS pledges commitment to developing combat-ready force

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Tue, 2025

Defence/Security

COAS pledges commitment to developing combat-ready force

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a highly motivated and combat-ready force through structured career planning and digital transformation.

Oluyede gave the assurance at the opening of the 6th Career Planning and Management Seminar for Officers, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary on Tuesday in Abuja.

The seminar has as its theme: “Effective Career Planning for Nigerian Army Officers: Imperative for a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”.

Represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, the COAS, emphasised that career development was a critical pillar in maintaining a professional and effective military.

He highlighted the army’s ongoing efforts to modernise career management by ensuring that officers were deployed based on their skills and competencies.

He commended the Department of the Military Secretary for digitising officers’ records and urged them to accelerate the rollout of an electronic performance evaluation report set for 2025.

“As we navigate evolving security challenges, it is imperative that our officers are well-prepared, motivated, and assigned roles that align with their expertise.

“This will not only enhance operational effectiveness but also boost morale within the force,” he said.

Oluyede reiterated his vision for a digitally advanced and combat-effective Army and encouraged officers to embrace career planning as a tool for professional growth and operational success.

He added that the initiative reflected the Nigerian army’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening personnel development and improving military readiness.

“This therefore brings to the fore the need for efficient career planning and management of personnel.

“As the world continues to evolve and with several organisations embracing novel and new strategies in human resource management, we must continually seek to improve our approach to career planning and management of our military human resources.

“This will ensure that we keep producing the right crop of personnel adequately prepared and equipped to deal with our present and future threats.

“We must all continue to try to ensure that our officers and men remain professional in the discharge of their duties,” he added.

The Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Everest Okoro, said the seminar was designed to focus on achieving motivated and combat-ready Nigerian army officers through recruitment, appointments, and deployments within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Okoro said that it was also designed to guarantee the desired output and future packages that would encourage participants to contemporarily approach military resource management with a view to improve career planning at all levels.

In his lecture, the former Military Secretary, retired Maj.-Gen. Shehu Abdulkadir, said that the Nigerian army had continued to face a critical need for a modernised human resource management system.

Abdulkadir delivered a paper titled, “Military Human Resource Management in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment: The Nigerian Army in Perspective”.

He said that a comprehensive talent management system, similar to that employed by the US Army, would help identify and promote personnel based on their skills, experience, and leadership potential, ultimately improving the army’s overall effectiveness.

He added that ongoing reforms could focus on improving the balance of personnel within the army and ensuring that human resource management decisions were data-driven, transparent, and focused on long-term personnel development. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

COAS hails troops sacrifices in festive season, priotises welfare

isaac aregbesola
Dec, Sun, 2024

Defence/Security

COAS hails troops sacrifices in festive season, priotises welfare

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has commended the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army for their sacrifices and untiring commitments in tackling the numerous security challenges facing the nation, especially in the festive season.

Oluyede, represented by Maj.- Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC), said this in his goodwill message at the Army Headquarters 2024 Christmas Carol in Abuja.

He said that the commendation was specifically for those deployed in various theaters and peacekeeping operations that would not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to exigencies of duty.

“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and properties are well appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and allies of Nigeria.

“I therefore charge you all to continue to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority while ensuring that we fully commit to achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“I urge you to maintain the spirit of patriotism and of knowledge and continue to give your best in the discharge of your assigned duties and responsibilities.

“It behooves every Nigerian army personnel to therefore remain apolitical and subordinated to civil authority,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.

“Let me reiterate that the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families, including those of our departed and injured colleagues, will remain my top priority.

“Be rest assured that all issues to foster professionalism and combat readiness of the Nigerian army will be upscaled under my leadership.

“This will be achieved alongside a stronger emphasis on maintaining sound administration that prioritizes personnel welfare, recognizes excellence and ensures an efficient system of rewards and sanctions,” he said.

He said that all these were in furtherance of his command philosophy which is to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

He expressed the army’s appreciation and unalloyed loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigerian army will remain committed, determined and focused on winning all land battles in defense of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“We placed a natural interest and accomplished other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carol, which featured different activities to usher in Christmas, was graced by top military hierarchy, corporate individuals, religious leaders and different church groups.

Seven carol lessons were read from the Holy Bible by prominent persons, where each was followed by songs and entertainment.

Those who read the lessons include Ekperikpe Ekpo, wife of the Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Rear Admiral M.k. Unurhiere, and Maj-Gen Kelvin Aligbe.

Others are representatives of Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral MK Igwe; Air Vice Marshal PB Philips and Pearl Isoni, wife of the Garrison Commander of Nigerian Army Headquarters, who represented NAOWA President.

NAN reports that all the readings were about Jesus coming to redeem the world. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba