Army Chief Unveils New Armour Tanks, Tasks Troops on Defeating Terrorists
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged troops of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute and proactive in the face of recent insurgent attacks and operational challenges. He emphasized that setbacks should not dampen their morale but rather inspire renewed commitment, sacrifice, and strategic innovation to defeat terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements destabilizing the country.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede gave the charge during the 2025 Bi-Annual Army Conference held at the Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State — a region currently witnessing a resurgence of Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
As part of the event, the Army Chief unveiled newly acquired Vanquish Armoured Tankers, which he officially handed over to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar. The tanks are equipped with advanced features including night vision capabilities, the ability to travel over 80 kilometers on flat tires, full suspension modifications, and 360-degree protection.
Engr. Ishaku Duwa, who represented the manufacturers, highlighted the tanks’ operational readiness and suitability for the evolving battlefield.
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Declaring the conference open, Oluyede noted that the three-day deliberations are focused on delivering strategic foresight, aligning operations, and fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities to enhance security outcomes.
The Army Chief acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents and reaffirmed the Army’s readiness to adapt. “The terrorists have embraced new strategies aimed at influencing the battlespace. While we have suffered painful losses, including gallant officers who paid the supreme price, we must not let these sacrifices go in vain,” he stated.
Oluyede stressed the importance of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, reaffirming the Army’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for national peace and development. He called for intensified inter-agency collaboration involving the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, security agencies, and government institutions at all levels.
The COAS expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his strategic direction and continued support, which he said has been instrumental in operational successes. He also extended appreciation to state governors, traditional rulers, the media, and Nigerians for their contributions in combating terrorism and criminality.
He concluded by urging conference participants to harness opportunities for inter-agency synergy and develop implementable solutions that will further strengthen national security efforts.
By PRNigeria
