The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the Nigerian Army (NA)’s battalion commanders to effectively tackle all emerging threats to national security by showing exemplary leadership in commanding their troops.
He gave the directive on Thursday, March 13, 2025, while addressing Battalion Commanders during his working tour and assessment of the Division’s operational and administrative activities.
A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the commanders were participants at the just concluded First Commanding Officers’ Workshop for year 2025, at the Headquarters of 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA).
General Oluyede reminded the participants that as Battalion Commanders, they represent a pivotal bridge between the operational and tactical levels of command; adding that they must demonstrate the essential leadership qualities of responsibility, accountability and moral courage, to effectively lead their troops in battle and peacetime.
He charged the Commanding Officers to brace up in vehemently addressing threats to national security in their various areas of responsibility.
The Army Chief described the theme of the workshop ” Enhancing Tactical Level Command and Leadership Within a Joint Environment” as very apt and in alignment with the tenets of his Command Philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army.
He urged them to remain unwavering in their avowed loyalty to the government and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The COAS lauded the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Sadiq Ndalolo and his team for organising the capacity development workshop for the Battalion Commanders. He expressed profound appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the NA in its transformational drive.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu told the participants that the workshop aims to renew Battalion Commanders’ individual and collective commitment towards the COAS’ desire for a highly motivated and combat ready NA.
He pointed out that the workshop will undoubtedly expose them to better approaches to tactical operations, perfecting strategic plans, and improving their leadership skills for operational and administrative efficiency across the theatres of operations.
The Chief of Army Staff also addressed troops of the Division at the Garrison Parade Ground, where he commended them for their sacrifices in combating security challenges bedeviling the country, urging them to remain steadfast and professional.
He maintained that his priority remains the welfare of soldiers of the Nigerian Army, and their families. He reeled off ongoing welfare concerns to include regular provision of uniforms, kits and combat enablers, improved office and residential accommodation, access to soft loan schemes, increased Ration Cash cum instructors’ Allowances (RCA) as well as affordable housing to cushion their retirement.
As part of his welfare schemes to improve troops’ living and working conditions in the Division, the COAS commissioned the 2 Division Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) Station in Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment and a Military Police Holding Facility in Mokola Barracks.
He also approved the immediate rehabilitation of the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, located at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, and the 81 Battalion Officers’ Mess, Mokola. The COAS later inspected ongoing rehabilitation of soldiers’ Quarters in both Cantonments.
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