Defeating Insurgency My Top Priority – COAS

Defeating Insurgency My Top Priority – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to defeating insurgency and all other criminal and security threats. The reaffirmation was made Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Workshop at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi. The event which has as its theme; “Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Sustained C-IED and Combat Engineering Support to the Nigerian Army”, brought together experts in military engineering as well as other related stakeholders.

Represented by Major General Philip Ehizokhale Eromosele, Deputy Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, the COAS stated that his leadership is committed to the massive procurement of modern equipment and realistic training for troops. “In a sustained effort to boost morale and fighting spirit, the Nigerian Army under my watch will continue to embark on aggressive acquisition drive,” he assured.

The COAS further highlighted some of the newly acquired equipment to include Vallon handheld detectors, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs), Troop Carrying Vehicles (TCVs), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), excavators and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). He added that efforts were ongoing to renew the contract of Field Service Representatives through the United States Office of Security Cooperation for the completion of training on MaxxPro C-IED MRAP and Husky vehicles. He has also directed the Nigerian Army School of Military and Engineering (NASME) to inspect available spare parts and recommend procurement of additional ones where necessary.

General Oluyede here commended security stakeholders for their contributions to the fight against violent extremism, stressing that overcoming insecurity is a shared responsibility of all Nigerians. He pledged continued collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace nationwide. He also praised the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Engineers (NAE) for initiating and organizing the workshop, which he said had significantly enhanced the Corps’ C-IED capabilities over the years.

The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their relentless support and encouragement towards all Nigerian Army efforts.

In his remarks, the Commander Corps of Engineers, Major General Tonye Thanks Numbere, noted that the previous C-IED workshop had focused on enhancing mobility support for Army operations, particularly in the North East. He revealed that most of the recommendations from previous workshops had been implemented, leading to significant improvements in C-IED operations despite a recent resurgence of IED incidents. “The Corps will continue to adapt innovative methods, expand participants’ 7knowledge on global C-IED trends, and develop capacity to eliminate IED threats while ensuring freedom of movement for operational formations,” he assured.

The workshop climaxed with the presentation of lectures, exchange of souvenirs, and a group photograph.