The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has urged top officers and commanders of the armed forces to work collaboratively to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria during the official handover ceremony for Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede, who has been appointed acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Friday in Abuja.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint the acting COAS was a strategic move to ensure continuity in leadership and prevent any operational gaps.
He told the gathering, “We cannot afford to stay back and allow insecurity to continue to prevail,” explaining the pressing need for a unified response to the various challenges facing the nation.
He said further, “I want to count on all of us—whatever issues we have in mind, please prioritize Nigeria’s survival and the effectiveness of the Armed Forces,”
Gen Musa commended the efforts of commanders in combating banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality in spite of the challenges they face in the field as well acknowledging the remarkable resilience and performance of the troops but stressed the need for vigilance, particularly as the nation approaches December, a period often marked by increased security threats.
He told them, “As we move towards December, we must take all necessary measures to ensure that Nigeria remains peaceful,”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) assured that all military services would collaborate to ensure the safety of Nigeria in accordance with the Commander-in-Chief’s mandate.
General Musa explained that the responsibility for administering the Nigerian Army now falls to Major General Oluyede.
“Your responsibilities are extensive and cannot be fully outlined in this administrative note. All will adhere to your new role, which begins now as you take charge of the Nigerian Army’s affairs,
“Following this formal event, you will receive a comprehensive briefing from the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and other Principal Staff Officers.
“You are now part of a broader team of dedicated professional soldiers committed to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across land, sea, and air, as outlined in our Constitution.
“It is expected that you will build upon and enhance the accomplishments of your predecessors, ensuring the Nigerian Army maintains its renowned standards of professionalism, discipline, resilience, and regimentation recognised worldwide,” he concluded.