KEY POINTS

• Nigerian Army to boost modern technology for training and combat.
• Soldier welfare prioritized with focus on accommodation and motivation.
• New strategies to tackle terrorism, separatist agitations, and extremism.

The Nigerian Army is set to ramp up its use of modern technology to enhance training, combat readiness, and operational efficiency. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the COAS Annual Conference in Abuja.

Addressing senior military officials, Oluyede emphasized the importance of adopting innovative strategies to tackle security threats such as terrorism, banditry, separatist agitations, and other violent extremism that have plagued Nigeria.

“In the coming months, the Nigerian Army will invest significantly in modern technology to enhance training and fight these wars,” Oluyede said.

According to Punch, he noted that these innovations would improve the Army’s capacity to address emerging threats, reinforcing Nigeria’s national security.

The COAS highlighted that training would be a major priority, with a renewed focus on specialized training to prepare soldiers for current and future missions.

He directed that the Army’s best equipment be deployed to training schools to support these efforts, ensuring soldiers are better equipped with the skills and knowledge required for modern warfare.

Welfare of soldiers prioritized with focus on accommodation and motivation

As part of ongoing reforms, Lt. Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of soldiers. He emphasized that soldiers’ well-being is essential to operational readiness and mission success.

“In line with my philosophy, we must consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a motivated and combat-ready force capable of joint and multi-agency operations,” he said.

Also, to address accommodation issues, the COAS directed the speedy completion of all ongoing residential and office accommodation projects. New projects will also be launched to close the shortfall in housing for personnel.

Additionally, Oluyede highlighted the need to foster a “soldier-first” culture within the force, prioritizing the welfare of soldiers, who he described as the “foundation of the Nigerian Army’s strength, operational readiness, and mission success.”

Innovative strategies to confront terrorism and extremism

The Nigerian Army’s strategy to address insecurity revolves around developing new tactics and operational strategies to counter emerging threats.

However, the COAS revealed that discussions at the Annual Conference focused on creating a clear roadmap for the future of the Army.

“We have reflected as a family on issues concerning administration, training, and operations of the Nigerian Army. We deliberated extensively on innovative strategies to confront and ultimately defeat terrorism, separatist agitations, and other violent extremism threatening the peace and security of Nigeria,” Oluyede said.

Moreover, he reassured Nigerians that the Army would remain relentless in its mission to restore peace, with the support of modern technological advancements in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and combat operations.

The conference ended with a renewed sense of purpose for the Nigerian Army, as the military leadership committed to addressing key challenges and strengthening its role as Nigeria’s frontline defense force.