The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has restated the Nigerian Army’s dedication to eliminating terrorism, ensuring that terrorists will not find sanctuary in the country until they are completely eradicated. Oluyede made this statement during his recent visit to the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, where he engaged with officers and troops of the command. He emphasized the military’s ongoing efforts to enhance counterterrorism operations, especially in the North-East, where insurgents have posed significant security threats.
The Army chief highlighted the recent successes in neutralizing a substantial number of terrorists and bandits, making it more challenging for criminal elements to operate. He stressed the importance of soldiers’ welfare, ensuring their well-being is a top priority to maintain their effectiveness in safeguarding the nation.
During the visit, the Army Chief was accompanied by senior military officials from the Force Headquarters. In a separate development, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, warned about terrorist groups exploiting new technologies and socio-political vulnerabilities to sustain their activities. Laka emphasized the need to update the National Counter Terrorism Strategy to address evolving security challenges effectively.
He underscored the importance of a comprehensive counterterrorism approach beyond military operations, focusing on addressing the root causes of radicalization. Laka reaffirmed the NCTC’s commitment to coordinating security agencies in the fight against terrorism through enhanced inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration. The review of the strategy aims to align it with the mandate of ensuring a structured and efficient counterterrorism approach with key partnerships.