Army Chief warns criminals as Nigerian Army vows decisive action against insecurity

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has warned those undermining the nation’s peace that their time is running out.

Oluyede vowed that the Nigerian Army would take firm action against criminal elements threatening national security.

Speaking at the ‘Exercise Vulcan Glow XI 2025 Study Period’ held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State, Oluyede, represented by Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training (Army), said the exercise was designed to prepare artillery formations and units for their primary role in supporting operations.

He stressed the need for the Army to embrace innovation, particularly in delivering effective fire support amid evolving warfare and emerging technologies.

The Army Chief commended the artillery corps for its efforts in equipment repair, maintenance, and research, noting its progress in leveraging local solutions to address technical challenges.

Oluyede urged personnel to improve operational efficiency through continuous training and equipment maintenance, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the corps in evolving its research and development initiatives into world-class maintenance facilities.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

Earlier, Major General Zakaria Abubakar, Commander of the Corps of Artillery, explained that the annual exercise was aimed at improving the capability of artillery personnel in conventional, hybrid, and counter-terrorism operations.

He said the training would sharpen participants’ tactical and technical skills, culminating in a live-fire demonstration to showcase their proficiency in artillery operations.

Abubakar added that the exercise demonstrates the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The event also featured a lecture by retired Major General T.A. Gagariga titled “Enhancing Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”