COAS: Lukarawa Terror Group’ll Soon be History
•Charges commanders to think creatively to defeat terrorism, banditry
Deji Elumoye and Linus Aleke in Abuja
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has given assurance that the Lukarawa terror group plaguing some areas in the North will soon become history.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, the three-star general expressed confidence in Nigeria’s collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to tackle cross-border insurgency.
In another related development, the COAS also yesterday charged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats, while reiterating the importance of innovation in proffering security solutions.
He also reaffirmed his resolve to adopt an all-inclusive leadership approach to foster a collaborative and effective army, capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.
According to Lt. Gen. Oluyede while briefing newsmen at the State House, Abuja, “We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end, and once you hit them hard here, they tend to flee to Niger Republic. Now that Niger Republic is coming on board, that means very soon, Lukarawa will be a thing of the past”.
Oluyede also highlighted the growing cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism, stressing that a unified regional approach is critical.
His words: “We need to collaborate with neighbouring countries because these issues affect them too. By working together, we can address the threat more effectively”.
The Army Chief said his visit to the presidential villa was to brief the President on his plans for a more secure Nigeria following his recent appointment.
He said: “I am here to reassure Mr. President that I will do my best to make Nigeria better in terms of security. I’m going to explore doing this maybe in a different way and achieve results that will significantly improve our security situation.”
Justifying his recent visits to army formations in the northwest and northeast, General Oluyede emphasized his resolve to motivate the troops under his command, saying “I spoke with my officers and soldiers to make them realize the need to end all forms of insecurity in Nigeria.
“I made it clear that I intend to do things differently and expect better results going forward”, he said.
According to the COAS in charging his commanders to think creatively, this was a vital move towards repositioning the Nigerian Army, NA, for effective delivery of its mandate.
A statement by Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the army chief gave the charge while addressing Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters after a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure to conclude the final stage of his formal taking over of command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff.
During the significant occasion, the COAS applauded officers and soldiers of NA for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who he said offered dedicated service to the nation.
Recalling his recent visit to troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operation, the COAS assured of his commitment to providing troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism insurgency in Nigeria.
He noted the NA recognises the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape and is 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 NA flag has to be retired to NA museum for custody, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the NA.
