By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has directed Battalion Commanders of the Nigerian Army (NA) to effectively tackle all emerging threats to national security by showing exemplary leadership in the command of their troops.
He gave the directive on Thursday 13 March 2025, while addressing Battalion Commanders who were participants at the just concluded First Commanding Officers’ Workshop for year 2025 held at the Headquarters 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA) during his working tour and assessment of the Division’s operational and administrative activities.
According to signed statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, 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 therefore demonstrate the essential leadership qualities of Responsibility, Accountability and Moral Courage to effectively lead their troops in battle and in peace time.
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.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division; the host formation, Maj Gen Obinna Onubogu had told the participants that the workshop aims at renewing 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.
In the same vein, the COAS 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 NA, 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.
