COAS Oluyede’s Inspiring Visit to Maiduguri: A Renewed Commitment in the Fight Against Insurgency
By; Zagazola Makama
The vibrant city of Maiduguri, long scarred by the ravages of insurgency, experienced a resurgence of hope and resilience with the visit of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and his Principal Staff Officers.
This pivotal visit not only underscored the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to restoring peace but also ignited a renewed vigor in the protracted battle against the 15-year insurgency that has beleaguered the North East region.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede's sojourn to Maiduguri, home to the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI, transcended a mere official engagement; it was a resounding affirmation of the Army's determination to fortify security and stability in the region. His intimate interactions with troops, thorough inspection of military facilities, and collaborative discussions with government officials showcased his leadership and vision for a more secure Nigeria. His fervent appeal to traditional institutions to actively partake in the anti-insurgency efforts marked a significant step towards a comprehensive strategy for overcoming the challenges that threaten the region.
In a stirring address to the soldiers at the Theatre Command, Oluyede extolled the bravery and sacrifices of the troops while urging them to intensify their efforts to dismantle the remnants of insurgent elements. His impassioned message conveyed a profound understanding of the essential role that discipline and commitment play in achieving operational success.
“I am here to interact with you and gather first-hand insight into your welfare and challenges, in a bid to implement solutions that enhance your operational effectiveness. Together, we shall restore peace and stability to the North-East,” Oluyede declared, instilling a renewed sense of purpose among the ranks.
The COAS assured the troops of enhanced logistics, welfare packages, and infrastructural improvements aimed at bolstering their operational capacity. His visit included a thorough inspection of the ongoing construction of the 7 Division Headquarters Complex and the refurbishment of essential combat resources, underscoring his steadfast dedication to equipping the military for frontline operations.
A Personal Touch: Visiting the Wounded
Demonstrating heartfelt compassion, the Army Chief visited the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, extending his support to wounded soldiers. He commended their valor and assured them of the highest standards of medical care.
“We will do our utmost to ensure your recovery so that you can return to duty,” Oluyede promised, further directing the evacuation of personnel with complex medical needs to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna for specialized treatment. This personal engagement emphasized the Army's unwavering commitment to the welfare of its personnel—an essential component in sustaining morale amidst ongoing adversity.
Strengthening Collaboration with Government Officials
In his meeting with Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Oluyede eloquently articulated the paramount importance of collaboration between the military and state government in achieving enduring peace. He lauded Zulum’s tireless dedication to resettling displaced communities and revitalizing the region’s socio-economic framework.
“Gov. Zulum’s unwavering commitment to addressing the roots of insecurity is commendable. United in purpose, we can bring an end to this insurgency,” Oluyede stated, highlighting the synergy required to combat the multifaceted challenges at hand.
Zulum reciprocated by emphasizing the necessity of complementing military action with socio-economic initiatives, such as resettlement and reconstruction efforts. “Without addressing the socio-economic aspects of insurgency, sustainable peace remains elusive. A holistic approach that combines stabilization strategies with military action is crucial,” the Governor remarked.
Engaging Traditional Institutions: A Key to Ending Insurgency
In a bold and insightful appeal, Oluyede called upon traditional institutions to take on a more active role in the fight against insurgency. Acknowledging their significant influence in local communities, he emphasized that their collaboration could effectively bridge the gap between the military and civilian populace.
The traditional leaders, with their deep-rooted connections and understanding of local dynamics, are uniquely positioned to mediate and gather vital intelligence essential to counter-insurgency efforts. Their involvement is anticipated to foster trust and cooperation—crucial ingredients in dismantling the insurgency’s support networks.
A Bright Horizon Ahead
Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s visit to Maiduguri has left an enduring impact, inspiring renewed confidence in the Army’s ability to restore peace in the region. His proactive measures ranging from troop welfare and collaborative governance to engaging traditional leaders reflect a visionary and comprehensive strategy to eradicate insurgency.
As Oluyede continues to re-strategize and allocate resources judiciously, the people of Borno and the North East region can look forward to a future in which peace, stability, and prosperity are not just aspirations but achievable realities.
The resolve and integrity of Lt.-Gen. Oluyede in leading the fight against insurgency shine as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Intelligence Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
