Amidst renewed hostility by Boko Haram, Army High Command in Maiduguri for bi-annual conference

By Sam Kaye

The Nigerian Army High command this week stormed Maiduguri, to participate in the first bi-annual Conference organised by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede for the entire management.

The meeting is coming at a time when some parts of the North East Nigeria particularly Borno state is witnessing renewed Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks myriads of other forms of criminalities.

Declaring the Conference Open at the Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment, the Army Chief Lt. Gen Oluyede stated that, the gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and give them an insight to where military and community
engagements converge.

He pointed out that during the 3-Day deliberation on topical issues, the Nigerian Army under his watch will identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions to strengthen effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.

General Oluyede enjoined the Armed Forces not to allow the current back and fourth dampen their spirit, but rather use it to develop commitment, sacrifices and practical strategies to end insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of crimes in the country.

He added that the Nigerian Army is committed towards alignment on the kinetic and non-kinetic operations
with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.

Oluyode noted 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).

His words: ” 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-anual 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 thd m

“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 cdeliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an 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 battlespace in their favour.

“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.

“Therefore, as we continue our deliberations and discussions, we must
not forget the opportunities that inter-agency cooperation borne from
effective collaborations afford 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 Order of the Federal Republic for his strategic guidance and support which has continued to ensure our successes in various operations.

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