The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), TLt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says there is no hiding place for bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements in the country.
During his tour of the country’s army formations, the COAS stated this on Tuesday at the headquarters of Army 4 Special Forces, Doma, Nasarawa State.
He added that the army would deal decisively with all the criminal elements threatening the country’s peace and unity and restore it to its glorious past.
Oluyede explained that the country is facing many security challenges and that the army must collaborate with other agencies to tackle them.
He said that it would step up its game and would not disappoint Nigerians by flushing out the bad elements from the country and making it safe for all to live without any fear.
Oluyede appreciated the contributions of all personnel in the theatre in different parts of the country and promised to prioritise their welfare and training.
The COAS explained that he had about four Special Forces barracks and was informed about their challenges by the commander, Maj.-Gen. Hilary Nzan.
He promised that by Feb. 20, the Army would begin the construction of an additional five blocks of hostel for junior and senior officers as well.
“I feel that we should make the special forces better for the army and make you more functional and effective.
“We will also establish a special training school in Doma, headquarters of the Special Forces, to equip you with the requisite knowledge, skill, and technical know-how for optimal performance,” he added.
He further said that his command philosophy was to prioritise the welfare of soldiers before anything else by ensuring that personnel enjoyed themselves while serving and after retirement.
He announced that the era of favouritism in the army was over, as, according to him, officers would excel in the service based on their hard work and not because they knew somebody.
He promised to do everything possible to improve the welfare of soldiers as a leader and expected that they would reciprocate by being more committed and dedicated to their duties.
The COAS, however, promised to reward those who were dedicated to their duties and deal with those found flouting the rules guiding the army.
Oluyede said that he had served in the Northeast for more than two years, and no soldier would reject posting to any troubled area under his leadership. (NAN).
