Akure: Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has charged soldiers to brace up in order to secure Nigerians better and tackle insurgency in the South-West. Oluyede gave the charge while addressing soldiers during his maiden operational visit to 32 Artillery Brigade Owena Cantonment, Akure.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the COAS emphasized that Nigeria is faced with different security challenges, highlighting the need for all personnel and officers to rise up collectively to stop the menace. Oluyede stressed the importance of collaboration with other security agencies to minimize these challenges.
“We are doing our best with other sister agencies and other security agencies to bring these challenges to the bare minimum,” he stated, urging soldiers to double their efforts in securing the nation. Oluyede pointed out that security is crucial for development and that the funds currently allocated to security could be redirected to improve the lives of Nigerians if the security situation improves.
Oluyede assured the soldiers and officers of his commitment to their welfare, promising efforts to enhance their conditions. He mentioned plans to build houses for soldiers across formations to ensure they have accommodation upon retirement from service. Additionally, he highlighted the production of uniforms, with plans to produce 100,000 uniforms monthly.
The COAS also warned about the movement of criminals from the north to the South-West, urging soldiers to address the issue promptly to prevent it from escalating. “We don’t want another North-East. Neither do we want another North-West. So, you must brace up to that challenge,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the event also featured a gun drill display of 35mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft (AA), showcasing the preparedness of the soldiers.