By DAYO ADESULU
In a strong show of resolve against terrorism, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a direct order to commanding officers and troops across Nigeria to eliminate terrorists without mercy. The order was given on Friday during the closing session of the Nigerian Army’s First Biannual COAS Conference of 2025, held in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The three-day strategic conference brought together Nigeria’s top army generals, who deliberated extensively on national security threats and the Nigerian Army’s roadmap for defeating insurgents and criminal elements.
COAS Orders Elimination of Terrorists Without Mercy
While addressing the high-ranking officers, General Oluyede declared there was no ambiguity in the Nigerian Army’s stance on terrorism. He emphasized that the mission to rid the country of insurgents and criminals must be pursued with absolute determination.
“There is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors to peace,” Oluyede said firmly. “Thus, I charge each and every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground.”
According to the Army Chief, Nigeria’s enemies are determined to destabilize society and destroy the values laid down by the nation’s founding fathers. He vowed that such hostile threats would not be allowed to succeed.
Army Leadership Commits to National Security Strategy
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede described the just-concluded conference as a landmark event, stating that the ideas and strategies presented during the sessions would drive new momentum in military operations across all theatres.
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- http://Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a direct order to commanding officers and troops across Nigeria to eliminate terrorists without mercy
“As a fallout of our deliberations, we will, in the coming weeks, induct more combat enablers into our operations,” he revealed.
However, Oluyede clarified that military strength is not measured solely by the size or sophistication of weapons, but by the strength of character and resolve of the troops who wield them.
“The strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie in the weapons we place on the battlefield, but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them,” he noted.
He encouraged all commanders to take their leadership roles seriously, mentoring and guiding younger soldiers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and patriotism.
Oluyede Highlights Threat to Nigeria’s Heritage
General Oluyede warned that the country is facing an adversary determined to undermine Nigeria’s socio-cultural fabric. He urged army leaders to remain vigilant and innovative in countering these threats.
“Today, we are faced with an adversary that threatens the very fabric of our socio-cultural heritage,” he said.
According to him, the quality of ideas exchanged during the conference demonstrated that the army leadership is prepared to think ahead and adapt to future security demands.
“It is worthy to note that the depth of discourse and clarity of thought expressed during our sessions reflected the intellectual rigour and strategic foresight required to thrust the Nigerian Army into the future filled with unprecedented possibilities,” Oluyede added.
Conference Outcomes to Be Implemented
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede expressed confidence in the outcomes of the First Biannual COAS Conference, stating that the quality of discussions and recommendations had exceeded his expectations.
“I therefore make bold to say that the objective of this first biannual conference has largely been achieved, judging by the well-articulated inputs and contributions that have surpassed my expectations,” he said.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would actively implement the strategies and proposals developed during the conference in both ongoing and future operations.
More Combat Enablers to Join Operations
As Nigeria continues to battle various forms of insecurity, the COAS affirmed that new military assets—referred to as combat enablers—would be deployed to strengthen field operations. These tools are expected to improve troop mobility, intelligence gathering, and combat efficiency in volatile regions.
The army chief’s statements come amid rising concern over terrorist activities in the North-East and North-West zones. With renewed leadership focus and field support, military officials believe the Nigerian Army is better positioned to reclaim control over affected territories.
Conclusion
The direct and uncompromising directive from COAS Oluyede to eliminate terrorists without mercy marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. His charge to officers to act with resolve and discipline reflects a strategic shift toward aggressive counter-terrorism campaigns across the country.
The Nigerian Army is set to implement the insights from the biannual conference, induct more tactical support tools, and reinforce its leadership structure—all in pursuit of one goal: a peaceful and secure Nigeria.
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