Top military brass including Major Generals, on Thursday, converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, to participate in the First 2025 Bi-Annual Conference organised by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

The meeting is coming at a time when some parts of the North East, especially Borno State, are witnessing renewed Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks and other form of criminalities.

This was as the COAS unveiled new Vanquish Armoured Tankers, VAT, which were handed over to the Chief Host, the Theatre Commander, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

Each of the New Vanquish Armoured Tankers according to the staff of the company, Engineer Ishaku Duwa, has Night Goggle Vision, can move for over 80kms on flat tyres, and is equipped with all suspension change and 360° (Degree) protection.

Declaring the Conference Open at the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment, the COAS, Lt.- Gen. Oluyede said, this pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community

engagements converge.

He pointed out that during the 3-Day deliberation on topical issues, the Nigerian Army under his watch will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.

General Oluyede enjoined Nigerian Armed Forces not to allow the current set back to dampen their spirit, but to develop commitment, sacrifices and practical strategies to end insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other form of crimes in the country.

He added that Nigerian Army is committed towards aligning on the kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.

He noted that despite the renewed pockets of attacks in the North East, North West and other parts of the country, there is no cause for alarm, as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are fully committed in bringing lasting peace and development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).

His words: “It is my pleasure to join you all here in the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House Maiduguri for the Chief of Army Staff First Bi- Annual Conference 2025. The highlights from the deliberations have been well received and will certainly assist in guiding the decisions and directives that shall stem from this Conference. My sincere appreciation goes to the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) for holding the fort in my absence. I also extend a most profound gratitude to other principal staff officers, Formation Commanders, corps commanders, heads of Nigerian Army institutions or establishments and everyone here who has ensured that the activities went on without hitches.

“Nevertheless, I encourage us all to continue in the same stead and passion, so that we can have an even more productive outing going forward.

“As we continue with the schedule of activities today, it is my expectation that this pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.

“During the deliberation on topical issues, our goal will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.

“Recall that during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024, I acknowledged the need for the Nigerian Army to commit towards aligning our kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.

“It is evident that the terrorists have adopted new strategies that are aimed at shaping the battlespace in their favour.

Continuing, he said, “We have recorded a number of incidents where our brave warriors have paid the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their legitimate duty. The loss of these brave men is deeply regrettable and serves as a painful reminder of the depth of sacrifice that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army continue to make in the defence of our great nation, Nigeria.

“However, we must not allow these setbacks to dampen our spirit or diminish our collective resolve to stamp out that which seeks to ridicule the sanctity of our sovereignty.

“As the Nigerian Army continues to prioritize its efforts for the best possible results, the ability to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and institutions at the federal and state government levels, have aided us in fulfilling our mandate.

“Therefore, as we continue our deliberations and discussions, we must not forget the opportunities that inter-agency cooperation borne from effective collaborations afford us and its multiplier effect on our operations.

“At this juncture, we are immensely grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, GCFR, for his strategic guidance and support which have continued to ensure our successes in various operations.

“I also extend my most sincere appreciation to the various states’ governors, heads of services and institutions, our royal fathers, members of the press and the great citizens of our dear country, Nigeria. In many ways than one, you have contributed to the fight against terrorism, criminality and the ill wind that accompanies them,” Oluyede concluded. (Vanguard)