Army Chief Urges Commanders to Confront National Security Threats with Strong Leadership

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on battalion commanders to exhibit exceptional leadership to empower troops in effectively addressing emerging national security threats. 

Oluyede made this appeal during his address at the recently concluded First Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2025, held at the Headquarters of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, in Ibadan.

In a statement released on Friday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Oluyede emphasized the critical role battalion commanders play as the bridge between operational and tactical command levels.

He stressed that commanders must embody key leadership qualities such as responsibility, accountability, and moral courage to lead their troops effectively in both combat and peacetime scenarios.

“Battalion commanders must rise to the challenge of addressing national security threats within their areas of responsibility,” Oluyede declared. He also urged them to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the Nigerian government and the constitution.

The army chief praised Maj.-Gen. Sadiq Ndalolo, Chief of Training (Army), and his team for organizing the workshop, which aimed to enhance the skills and preparedness of battalion commanders.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation initiatives.

During his visit to the division, Oluyede commended troops for their sacrifices in tackling security challenges across the country. He encouraged them to maintain their professionalism and dedication while reassuring them that the welfare of soldiers and their families remains a top priority.

Oluyede pledged to ensure the regular provision of uniforms, kits, combat enablers, improved accommodation, access to soft loan schemes, increased Ration Cash and Instructors’ Allowances, and affordable housing.

As part of his visit, the COAS inaugurated the 2 Division Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants Station at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment and a Military Police Holding Facility at Mokola Barracks. He also approved the immediate rehabilitation of the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess in the cantonment, as well as the 81 Battalion Officers’ Mess in Mokola.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, highlighted the workshop’s objective to reinforce the commitment of battalion commanders to the COAS’s vision of a highly motivated and combat-ready army.

Onubogu noted that the workshop provided commanders with valuable insights into improved tactical operations, strategic planning, and leadership skills to enhance operational and administrative efficiency across various theatres of operations.

The COAS’s visit and the workshop underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to address the nation’s security challenges through effective leadership and strategic training.