COAS Charges Officers to Evolve Local, Ingenious Solutions to Emerging Threats

•Kwara gov meets first class monarchs over insecurity 

•Russian Federation pledges support for Nigeria’s war against terrorism

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged strategic-level officers to go beyond doctrinal exercises and evolve indigenous and ingenious solutions to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops across theatres of operation.

This was as the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, held a meeting with first class traditional rulers in the state to discuss different state matters, including security.

Also, the Russian Federation has pledged to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, while recognising Nigeria’s significance as a major stakeholder and power in the West African region.

Oluyede gave the charge to participants of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2025, co-hosted by the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and the Armoured Corps in Bauchi.

He also urged the combat arms and all other arms and services of the Nigerian Army to continue exploring ingenious and workable ideas to mitigate emerging threats while making maximum use of the available resources at their disposal.

A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said Oluyede also tasked the officers to demonstrate purposeful leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to mission objectives, stressing that such approaches were veritable ways to attain success in ongoing operations.

Oluyede added that the success of Nigerian Army operations was dependent on the ability of the combat arms to harness their strengths in cohesion.

In his keynote address, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Hon. Mohammed Jatau, expressed appreciation to the COAS and the entire Nigerian Army for their continuous support to the state.

He noted that such invaluable sacrifices were key to keeping the nation safe and united.

According to him, Bauchi State was one of the most peaceful states in the country, even as he attributed the peaceful nature of the state to the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state.

He assured them of continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies to keep Bauchi State safe.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Commander of the Armoured Corps, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, disclosed that the CAT Week was a platform to evaluate and appraise ongoing operations so as to proffer workable solutions to existential challenges.

AbdulRazaq Meets First Class Monarchs

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has held a meeting with first class traditional rulers in the state to discuss different state matters, including security.

The meeting  focused on socio-economic development and improved security of lives and properties.

A statement in Ilorin by his  Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated that, “The government is taking a multiagency approach to bring more development, strengthen security in the state, and curtail the activities of cross-border violent nonstate actors fleeing from the neighboring Kainji Park and other military campaigns.”

He said the government had approved a deeper involvement of local hands in grassroots security architecture.

“We thank you for what you have been doing. And we need Your Royal Highnesses to talk to our people on the efforts all of us must make to protect our communities from being infiltrated,” he said.

The Governor called for improved local support for the security agencies to better safeguard lives and properties, including offering actionable intelligence.

Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Oba Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, commended the governor for the detailed briefing.

“We will always support your administration as you are doing a good job,” the Etsu said.

Russian Federation Pledges Support for Nigeria’s War Against Terrorism

The Russian Federation has pledged to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, while recognising Nigeria’s significance as a major stakeholder and power in the West African region.

Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Andrei Averianov, made this pledge when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

He noted that Russia has been observing and learning from Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts over the years, adding that, as brothers in arms, they were ready to assist, particularly with the provision of the full range of weapons required by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to prosecute its war on terror.

General Averianov stated that Russia was engaged in special operations facing numerous adversary nations, during which they had developed new methods they were willing to share with Nigeria to support the fight against terrorism.

A statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the visiting team applauded the CDS for the warm reception, stating that the visit marked a memorable day in the history of Nigeria’s defence ties with the Russian Federation.

“It has been 80 years since Russia fought Nazism. However, the security landscape has evolved, with asymmetric threats such as Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram now emerging,” General Averianov said.

He expressed Russia’s delight in being part of the fight to create a more secure environment for future generations of Nigerians.

The CDS welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He observed that both Russia and Nigeria were undergoing challenging times, resulting in the loss of personnel and necessitating the conduct of special operations.

He thanked the delegation for the support from the Russian Federation, noting that Russia and Nigeria had long enjoyed strong ties, highlighting the need for continued partnerships in training and operations.

The CDS further emphasised the importance of exchanging instructors and students between the two countries for training.