Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, acting Media Information Officer for Headquarters, OPWS, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Makurdi.

Zubairu said that the suspects were arrested on 26th March in Agasha, Guma local government, during their pre-wet season operation.

The spokesperson stated that the troops who acted on intelligence swiftly cordoned the area and arrested Mr Sule Ibrahim and Mr Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, as well as Mr Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos, Plateau.

“Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, twenty-seven rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms.

“The suspects are in troops’ custody for preliminary investigation and subsequent prosecution by the appropriate authorities,” he said.

He said the troops had continued to maintain an aggressive operational posture across the area, dominating the environment to deny criminal elements freedom of action and to enhance security ahead of the farming season.

Zubairu added that OPWS Commander Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara had commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and continued sacrifice in safeguarding law-abiding citizens in their areas of responsibility.

Source: NAN

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Shaibu gave the charge on Monday while addressing officers and soldiers at Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, during his maiden operational visit to the formation.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism and operational effectiveness in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, describing their efforts as reassuring to law-abiding citizens.

“I have been fully briefed on your operations and the successes recorded so far.

“I commend you for your commitment and urge you to sustain the tempo,” he said.

The COAS directed the troops to take the fight to criminal hideouts, stressing that no location must be considered inaccessible.

“Go after them in the bushes, forests and wherever they are hiding.

“Ensure that we reduce these criminal activities to the barest minimum and restore safety across your area of responsibility,” he added.

Shaibu reiterated that the protection of lives and property remained the core mandate of the Nigerian Army, assuring Nigerians that criminal elements would not be allowed any safe haven.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to troops’ welfare, announcing the approval of renovations and construction of additional accommodation within the barracks to ease housing pressure.

According to him, high morale is critical to operational success, adding that welfare would continue to receive priority attention.

He urged the troops to properly maintain existing facilities while remaining disciplined, professional and mission-focused in the discharge of their duties.

The visit featured operational briefings and interactions with officers and soldiers of the Division.

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The event, which is the third quarter graduation ceremony, was held on Friday.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Lt. Samson Ayomide Akindutire, in a statement made available to FrontPage, said the graduation was in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to “Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

He said NASST commandant, Major General Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, in his welcome address, disclosed that a total of six courses – Fire and Safety Officers, Fire and Safety Intermediate, Driver Intermediate, Driver Basic, Supply/Storeman Intermediate, and Catering Basic Courses, completed their training in the Third Quarter.

He noted that the courses’ curricula incorporated critical areas such as Information and Communications Technology, NA Social Media Policy, Leadership and Management, and the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022.

Major General Adegbite appreciated the unwavering support of the COAS and the Commander Corps of Supply and Transport, and commended the dedication of the school’s training staff led by the Deputy Commandant, Brigadier General K. E. Inyang.

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He also appreciated NASST’s institutional and corporate partners, including the University of Benin, Edo State Fire Service, and several hospitality and corporate organisations, for their contributions to the success of the courses.

The Special Guest of Honour and Director of Communication Satellite, Department of Space Administration, Abuja, Major General Ebun Mustapha, lauded the achievements of the graduating officers and soldiers, stressing that the training had not only enhanced their professional capacity but also prepared them to play vital roles in sustaining Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency across formations.

He charged the graduands to apply their newly acquired knowledge in addressing contemporary security challenges, particularly in areas of logistics, supply chain management, catering, and fire safety, which are critical to the Nigerian Army’s operational success.

Major General Mustapha further praised the NASST staff for their resilience and commitment to excellence, noting that the ongoing infrastructural improvements at the school portrayed the Nigerian Army leadership’s determination to sustain world-class training standards.

Other highlights of the graduation ceremony were the presentation of the Course Highlights by the Deputy Commandant/ Director of Studies Brigadier General K. E. Inyang, presentation of certificates and awards to students, and presentation of souvenirs.

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A credible source who pleaded anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the deployment was in a significant effort to reinforce security and operational capacity in the North Central region.

The officer said the deployment, which included mobility and protective assets, was aimed at enhancing troop mobility, rapid response, and overall effectiveness in addressing emerging threats.

The sources said that the COAS had, during his recent visit to Benue, presented a consignment of equipment at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in Makurdi.

The items delivered, according to him, included over 100 motorcycles, Troop-Carrying Vehicles, TCVs, and personal protective equipment.

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“These assets are designed to improve tactical agility, force protection, and combat readiness, particularly in difficult and rugged terrains where asymmetric threats are prevalent,” the source said.

The COAS, while in Makurdi, reassured the people of the state and the wider North Central region of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability.

He emphasised that under his leadership, efforts to safeguard lives and property would be intensified.

The Army Chief also paid a courtesy visit to the state government, where he extended heartfelt condolences over recent violent attacks that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.

Oluyede directed the immediate review of existing operational frameworks and the reinforcement of troop presence in volatile areas.

The decision, he said, reflected the Army’s responsive approach to evolving security challenges and its resolve to dismantle armed groups terrorising local communities.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, appreciated the COAS for the timely support.

He noted that the newly inducted assets would be swiftly integrated into ongoing operations to expand operational reach, enhance situational awareness, and strengthen troop morale.

This latest intervention emphasises the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring national security, promoting peace, and enabling social and economic development across the region.

The source said that the army leadership under Oluyede had made significant progress in repositioning the force for effective internal security operations.

Operation Whirl Stroke was launched on May 18, 2018 to counter armed herdsmen and militia groups in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara.

Source: NAN

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Oluyede stated this at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Inter-Formation Ball Games 2025, held at the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.

The week-long  sporting events had 250 athletes who competed in handball, basketball, football and volleyball.

The athletes were drawn from 1 Division, 2 Division, 3 Division, 6 Division, 8 Division, 81 Division , 82 Division, Army Headquarters Garrison and the Special Forces Command.

He vowed, “As an Army, we shall continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities to the best of our ability, and with bright prospects that the enemies of our country will soon be brought to their knees.”

The COAS, who was represented by the academy’s Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, commended the participants for the sportsmanship and team spirit displayed during the games.

He stated that the objectives of enhancing physical fitness and companionship among participants had been achieved.

Oluyede charged the participants to take the attributes of team spirit, respect, discipline, courage, and esprit-de-corps to their formations and units.

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He congratulated 1 Division for coming tops and encouraged the losers to put up a fiercer battle in subsequent competitions.

The COAS said, “I believe that the Directorate of Army Physical Training has identified talents that can represent the Nigerian Army and the country in ball game events.”

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Kaduna State, the Commandant of the academy, and other officials for their invaluable support.

Oluyede also commended President Bola Tinubu for his untiring support to the Nigerian Army.

1 Division emerged winner of the competition with five gold medals, Army Headquarters Garrison came second with two gold medals and 6 Division came third with  one gold medal.

Source: NAN

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Similarly, he gave an order to fish out terrorists in Borgu in Kainji Forest of Niger within one month.

Oluyede gave the order on Wednesday at the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigeria Army, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.

Addressing the troops, Oluyede said that the Nigerian Army would not allow the insurgency in the North-East to escalate to the North-Central.

He said that it was the responsibility of the Nigerian Army to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and no single part of the territory would be taken away by insurgents.

The Chief of Army Staff gave the troops one month to recover all areas in Baruten, Kaiama and other areas in Kainji Forest from the bandits.

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“All of you have promised to fight and recover whatever the insurgents might have taken from the country and I believe you will keep the promise.

“In the next one month, I don’t want to see any one of the insurgents in our borders again,” he ordered.

Oluyede promised better welfare, feeding, education and hospital facilities for members of the Armed forces, adding that he wished to see soldiers children becoming medical doctors, engineers and other professionals.

“I want you to restore sanity to the areas in just one month, so that you can return home to your families. That means you have to be committed, dedicated and serious.

“I know you can do it. To make sure those people leave that place, as soon as possible, before they turn the place to their base,” he said.

A group of yet to be identified terrorists recently surfaced in Kaiama and Baruten local governments of Kwara where seven people were killed on April 21.

Source: NAN

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Oluyede said this while addressing the troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna, when he paid a maiden operational visit on Wednesday.

He said the adversaries should be ready to face a more serious and formidable Nigerian Army.

Oluyede disclosed that as at December 10, he signed his command philosophy, which was hinged on leadership, sound administration and professionalism.

The COAS said that in the same command philosophy, he made it clear that soldiers would be his first priority in every area.

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He, therefore, said the welfare of soldiers would enable them to give in their best to the course of ridding the country of criminals.

“I will try as much as possible to enhance their welfare in terms of accommodation, kitting and training so that they can be better soldiers,” Oluyede said.

The COAS urged the soldiers at the front-line to be resilient, disclosing that the Army would employ new strategies to make things better in the field by approaching operations in a different perspective.

The COAS inaugurated the remodelled Stallion Officers’ Mess at the division’s headquarters.

He also inaugurated two blocks of a 30 families accommodation at the Kotoko Barracks, Ribadu Cantonment.

Source: NAN

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Oluyede gave the pledge while addressing Principal Staff Officers after Regimental Quarter Guard procedure for his formal taking over of command as the 24th COAS on Monday in Abuja.

The promise is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday in Abuja.

The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

He emphasised the importance of innovation in proffering security solutions and urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.

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Oluyede assured of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

He said the army recognised the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape, and was 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 Nigerian Army flag had to be retired to museum for custody.

Akpor said it was supposed to be presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the Nigerian Army.

Source: NAN

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Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 30 in acting capacity following the death of his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, had on November 1, handed him the insignia of office in an unusual fashion in line with the Armed Forces Act.

The symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command flag which signifies the beginning of his tenure, came after the Senate and House of Representatives confirmed his appointment.

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Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were course mates and members of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987 and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.

Source: NAN

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The confirmation followed adoption of report of the Committee on Army on screening of Oluyede.

The report was presented by the chairman of the committee, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC-Katsina).

Yar’adua said the committee was impressed with the high level of understanding, achievements and excellence stated in the credential of the nominee.

He said the nomination of Oluyede was in line with Section 217, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

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He also said that the nomination was in accordance with the provisions of Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act.

He explained that “the nominee possesses the required competence, experience and educational qualifications to be conferred with Chief of Army Staff.”

Yar’Adua said the nominee had been cleared by the DSS, and went through the correct process of promotion till date, qualifying him to occupy the position of Chief of Army Staff.

He said the committee had diligently and meticulously conducted the screening of the nominee and was satisfied with his conduct, competence, experience and educational qualification and urged the Senate to confirm the nomination.

The Senate, thereafter, confirmed the appointment of Oluyede as substantive COAS.

Source: NAN

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