Neutralize Terrorists Without Mercy, COAS Urges Soilders

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a firm directive to commanding officers and troops across Nigeria: eliminate terrorists without mercy and ensure national territory is cleared of all threats.

Oluyede delivered the charge on Friday while closing the Nigerian Army’s biannual conference in Maiduguri — a three-day gathering where senior army officials evaluated strategies to enhance national security and peace.

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors to peace,” he declared.

“Thus, I charge each and every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground.
They (terrorists) seek to disrupt our way of life and destroy the society that our forefathers built. We will not allow such to happen,” Oluyede emphasized.

He stated that all strategic resolutions reached during the conference must be fully adopted to accomplish the objectives of the session, which was the Army’s first biannual conference.

“As a fallout of our deliberations, we will, in the coming weeks, induct more combat enablers into our operations.” He said, adding, “However, we need to understand that the strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie in the weapons we place on the battlefield but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them.”

Urging leadership and mentorship from senior officers, Oluyede stressed, “Accordingly, it behoves everyone seated here to show exemplary leadership, to mentor (soldiers) and guide the next generation on the right path.”

Describing the threat posed by terrorists as a grave danger to Nigeria’s cultural and social fabric, he continued, “Today, we are faced with an adversary that threatens the very fabric of our socio-cultural heritage.”

He praised the quality of discussions held during the conference, highlighting the significance of thoughtful planning in modern military operations.

“It is worthy to note that the depth of discourse and clarity of thought expressed during our sessions reflected the intellectual rigour and strategic foresight required to thrust the Nigerian Army into the future filled with unprecedented possibilities.”

Concluding his remarks, the COAS expressed confidence in the outcomes of the conference.

“I therefore make bold to say that the objective of this first biannual conference has largely been achieved, judging by the well-articulated inputs and contributions that have surpassed my expectations; concerted efforts will be made to implement these suggested measures in our current and future engagements.”

The conference marks a renewed push by the Nigerian Army to intensify its counterterrorism efforts and solidify internal security operations across the country.