Acting COAS Oluyede: Troops’ Welfare, Protection of Nigeria’s Territorial Integrity, My Key Priorities

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag. COAS) Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, yesterday pledged to prioritize troops’ welfare and protection of Nigeria’s territory integrity throughout his tour of duty as the Chief of Army Staff.

He also tasked troops of the Nigerian Army to be ruthless to criminal elements across the federation.

The Ag. COAS made this pledge during the official handing over of the Infantry Corps to his successor, Maj. Gen. Abdulkalifa Ibrahim, in a regimented ceremony at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Jaji, Kaduna State.

A statement by Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, recalled that until his appointment as the Ag. COAS on 30 October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, he was the 56th Commander Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Gen. Oluyede described his successor as a competent senior infantry officer and a perfect gentleman whom he believed will sustain the trajectory of moving the corps forward.

He charged all officers and soldiers of the corps to give him all the needed cooperation and support to succeed.

The Ag. COAS also expressed gratitude to all officers and soldiers of the NA for their massive turnout and support during the internment of the late COAS Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and beseeched God to grant him eternal rest and continue to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

While addressing troops of the Infantry Corps at the Major Bulama Parade Ground, the Ag. COAS charged all officers and soldiers of the NA to put the unfortunate incident behind them, get back to work and deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements perpetrating insecurity in the country.

He reassured them that their welfare would be prioritised. “I am aware of your challenges and will tackle them head-on. Rest assured that anything that is yours will be given to you,” he pledged.

In his remarks, the new Commander Infantry Corps, Maj. Gen. Abdulkalifa Ibrahim, said he was delighted to take over command of the Infantry Corps from the Ag. COAS, who until a few weeks ago was the Commander Infantry Corps.

He appreciated the Ag. COAS for moving the Infantry Corps forward through the implementation of laudable initiatives and execution of several infrastructural development projects.

He lauded him for his many years of dedicated service to the Infantry Corps, the Nigerian Army, and the nation at large.

Ibrahim further pledged to lead the Infantry Corps with integrity, courage, honour, and utmost dedication, embracing best practices in all he will do.

According to him, “To my brave and dedicated fellow infantry men, both officers and soldiers, I recognise the sacrifices, resilience, and valour that define our infantry tradition.

“Your selflessness, teamwork, and unwavering loyalty inspire all of us. I urge you all to continue to embrace the Army’s core values of loyalty, integrity, discipline, selfless service, respect for others, and courage in the discharge of your responsibilities”.

He further urged all officers and soldiers of the Corps to remain diligent, hardworking, and proactive so as to collectively confront security challenges in troubled regions, uphold the Infantry values, and protect the nation with pride.

He added that he is open to ideas that would bring the Corps together and make it more cohesive and efficient.

Ibrahim is a member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and hails from Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

In the course of his illustrious career in the NA, he served as acting Garrison Commander in 1 Division, Commander 14 Brigade, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and also commanded the Multi National Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Chad among others.

He has attended all courses commensurate with his rank, including the National Defence College Course 23. He had served previously in Jaji at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry as member Training Team and later as Chief Instructor.

He participated in several operations both within and outside the shores of the country, such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operations under the MNJTF.

In 2023, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria awarded him the National honour of the Officer of the Order of the Republic (OFR). Similarly, the Chadian Government awarded him the national honor of ‘National Order of Chad’ (NOOC) for his contributions to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Acting COAS later inspected ongoing projects in Jaji military Cantonment and paid a visit to the Command Engineering Depot at Rigachukun, Kaduna.