Army Chief Pledges Rewards for Gallantry, Urges Troops to Intensify Onslaught Against Terrorists

 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to reward officers and soldiers demonstrating excellence and gallantry in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country.

 

Oluyede made the commitment on Thursday during his operational tour of 3 and 17 Brigades of the Nigerian Army in Kano and Katsina states, respectively.

 

He commended the troops for their achievements in the ongoing anti-banditry Operation FANSAN YAMMA, describing their successes as a testament to their dedication.

 

“I urge you to sustain the tempo and intensify the onslaught against terrorists and insurgents to ensure their total defeat,” he said.

 

The Army Chief assured troops of the provision of adequate combat enablers to enhance operational efficiency.

 

He also expressed concern over the challenges faced by soldiers after retirement, particularly the lack of post-service housing.

 

To address this, he promised an expansion of the Affordable Housing Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Scheme, ensuring that more personnel can own homes before leaving service.

 

Additionally, Oluyede stated that the Nigerian Army is tackling barracks accommodation challengesto improve the welfare of troops and their families.

 

He urged soldiers to reciprocate the government’s efforts by maintaining their equipment and facilities for sustained durability.

 

During his visit, the COAS inspected facilities at Bukavu Barracks in Kano and Natsinta Barracks in Katsina.

 

Earlier, he received operational briefings from the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, and the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Babatunde Omopariola.

 

He was also briefed on the security situation in Kano State by Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur.

 

Oluyede was accompanied by senior officers, including the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Robert Sinjen, Chief of Logistics (Army), Maj.-Gen. Erema Akerejola, Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Abdulkalifa Ibrahim, GOC 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Mayerinso Saraso, and Provost Marshal (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Garba.

 

A highlight of the visit was the laying of wreaths at the Heroes Wall of 17 Brigade Headquarters in honour of fallen soldiers. Troops of 3 Brigade also performed an unarmed combat demonstration as part of the event.

 


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