The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced the Nigerian Army's plan to induct additional Combat Enablers (CEs) into its operations as part of renewed efforts to eliminate Boko Haram/ISWAP, banditry, kidnappings and other security threats confronting the nation.

Oluyede made this known on Friday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 COAS First Bi-Annual Conference, held at the Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Addressing the gathering, the COAS emphasized that while the Army's firepower is vital, the ultimate strength of the force lies in the resolve and patriotism of its personnel.

?The strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie in the weapons we place on the battlefield, but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them,? he stated.

The three-day strategic conference drew participation from senior military officers including Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, Commanding Officers, and heads of various Army formations nationwide. The meeting focused on assessing the current security landscape and identifying new strategies for improved operational effectiveness.

General Oluyede said the deliberations yielded robust and actionable recommendations that will inform future engagements and contribute to national security.

?You will recall that I stated in my address yesterday that this gathering was to afford participants the opportunity to identify areas for improvement and proffer practical solutions that will strengthen our effectiveness in securing our nation,? he said.

?I therefore make bold to say that the objectives of this First Bi-Annual Conference have largely been achieved, judging by the well-articulated inputs and contributions that have surpassed my expectations,? he added.

According to him, the Army will soon induct more Combat Enablers into ongoing operations, which will significantly enhance the operational capability of troops across various theatres.

He urged all commanders to exhibit exemplary leadership and to mentor the next generation of officers, stressing that current actions will shape the future of the military and the nation at large.

?We are faced with an adversary that threatens the very fabric of our socio-cultural heritage,? he said. ?They seek to disrupt our way of life and destroy the society that our forefathers built. We will not allow such to happen.?

He called on soldiers to remain resolute and committed to the mission of restoring peace, stating that the Army will not relent until all threats to national security are neutralized.

The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, other security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders for their continued support to the Nigerian Army in its quest to secure the country.

He also lauded the efforts of the organizers of the conference, especially the Chief Host, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, for a well-coordinated engagement.

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards and souvenirs to select Major Generals, Commanding Officers, and heads of Army formations and institutions in recognition of their outstanding service to the nation.

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