Remain Resolute and Professional – COAS Calls On Adversaries To Embrace Peace, Urges Troops To Stay Fit
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) to remain resolute, professional, and innovative in the discharge of their duties.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Training, Army Headquarters, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS gave the charge while declaring open the Gunners’ Study Period at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA), Kachia.
In his address, General Oluyede reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Corps of Artillery, emphasizing the importance of continuous training, research, and maintenance of artillery equipment to ensure operational effectiveness. He urged participants to adopt realistic and innovative approaches to fire support operations in line with evolving warfare dynamics and emerging technologies.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that the Corps of Artillery continues to deliver precise and effective fire support in all operations,” he said. “I commend the Corps for its efforts in equipment maintenance, repair, and research development, and I encourage you to do even more.”
The Army Chief also sent a strong warning to adversaries and criminal elements across the country, advising them to embrace peace or face decisive military action. “Your time is running out,” he cautioned. “The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to restore and sustain peace in every part of the nation.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General Zakari Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his consistent support to the Corps. He emphasized the need for personnel to align with the COAS Command Philosophy by sustaining realistic training, maintaining platforms, and embracing digital technologies to enhance precision and efficiency in operations.
He noted that the Study Period marks the beginning of preparations for Exercise VULCAN GLOW XI 2025, adding that the inclusion of retired senior officers enriches the exercise by allowing participants to benefit from their experience and institutional knowledge.
This year’s Study Period is themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
The event featured a lecture titled “Enhancing the Capacity of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” delivered by retired Major General Tariweye Gagariga, followed by discussions among senior artillery officers.
A second lecture on “Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” was presented by Dr. Abusufyan Attahiru, a medical consultant from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and discussed by other medical professionals.
As part of efforts to promote physical fitness, a novelty volleyball match was held in honour of the guest lecturer, Major General (Rtd) Gagariga, between the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) team and G-Rank Strikers of Kachia. The G-Rank Strikers triumphed 2–1 after three closely contested sets. The COAS, in his remarks, reiterated the importance of physical fitness and encouraged personnel to actively participate in sporting activities.
The two-week Exercise VULCAN GLOW XI 2025 is scheduled to take place from 11–24 October 2025 at the Nigerian Army Military Training Area, Kachia, Kaduna State. The exercise will feature all Artillery Brigades and General Support Regiments showcasing their operational readiness and professionalism.
The event attracted serving and retired senior artillery officers, soldiers, and members of the media. Highlights included presentations on artillery platform repairs, souvenir exchanges, an interactive session, and group photographs.
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