Free m Victor Osula Abuja
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Friday charged military commanders and frontline troops to deal decisively with terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the country’s peace, declaring that no mercy should be shown in the battle to restore order.
Oluyede issued the directive at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army’s First Biannual Conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The three-day event brought together top-ranking military officers who deliberated on strategies to enhance national security and stability.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to wiping out insurgents and restoring peace, Oluyede stated:“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors of peace. I charge every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground. They seek to disrupt our way of life and destroy the society our forefathers built. We will not allow that to happen.”
The Army Chief hinted at a series of operational reinforcements, noting that new combat enablers would be inducted into ongoing missions in the coming weeks.
However, he stressed that the Army’s true strength lies not in weaponry, but in the courage and discipline of its personnel.
He said: “We must understand that the strength of the Nigerian Army does not lie solely in the weapons we place on the battlefield, but in the will of the soldiers who wield them.
“It is the responsibility of everyone here to show exemplary leadership and mentor the next generation of officers.”
He noted that the Army faces an adversary determined to tear apart the country’s social and cultural fabric, and called for unwavering commitment from officers at all levels.
Reflecting on the outcome of the conference, Oluyede praised the depth of discussions and the strategic foresight demonstrated by participants.
“The clarity of thought and quality of contributions exceeded my expectations. The objective of this first Biannual Conference has largely been achieved. We will take concrete steps to implement the recommended measures in our ongoing and future operations,” he said.
