Kehinde Fajobi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has declared that bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements have no refuge in Nigeria, vowing that the military will flush them out and restore peace.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 11, at the headquarters of the Army’s 4 Special Forces in Doma, Nasarawa State, Oluyede assured that the military would take decisive action against those threatening the country’s stability.
“We will step up our game and will not disappoint Nigerians by flushing out the bad elements from the country and making it safe for all to live without any fear,” he said.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, he emphasised the need for collaboration between the army and other security agencies. He also praised troops for their dedication and pledged to prioritise their welfare and training.
“I feel that we should make the special forces better for the army and make you more functional and effective,” Oluyede said, adding that a new Special Training School would be established in Doma to equip personnel with essential skills for enhanced performance.
He promised that by February 20, the army would begin constructing five additional hostel blocks for both junior and senior officers.
He further assured troops that under his leadership, promotions and career advancement would be strictly based on merit, not personal connections.
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“The era of favouritism in the army is over. Officers will excel based on their hard work, not because they know somebody,” he stated.
Oluyede also vowed to reward committed personnel while ensuring disciplinary measures against those who violate army regulations.
Recalling his experience in the Northeast, he warned that under his command, no soldier would refuse deployment to conflict zones.