By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has promised to adopt an all-inclusive leadership approach to foster collaborative and effective army to tackle the nation?s security challenges.

Oluyede gave the pledge while addressing Principal Staff Officers after Regimental Quarter Guard procedure for his formal taking over of command as the 24thCOAS on Monday in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday in Abuja.

The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

He emphasised the importance of innovation in proffering security solutions and urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.

Oluyede assured of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

He said the army recognised the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape, and was determined to stay ahead of the curve.

He enjoined commanders at all levels to fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism and insurgency in the northeast and other volatile regions in the country.

Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Ohwonigho Akpor, described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old Nigerian Army flag had to be retired to museum for custody.

Akpor said it was supposed to be presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the Nigerian army. (NAN)