Acting Army Chief, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede kicks Off Maiden Operational Tour Of Sokoto State

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, has began his maiden operational tour to Sokoto State, specifically visiting the 8 Division Area of Responsibility. On November 10, 2024, Lt Gen Oluyede arrived in Sokoto and promptly proceeded to Forward Operations Base Tangaza and 248 Battalion in Illela. There, he received critical briefings from Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division.

Addressing the troops, the Ag COAS praised their dedication and sacrifices in combating terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria’s North West zone. He emphasized that his tour is to gather firsthand information on the security situation and challenges faced by the troops. The Ag COAS assured the troops of his unwavering support, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid complacency in their operations.

Lt Gen Oluyede emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between the military and local communities in overcoming security challenges. He urged the public to provide reliable information to support the troops’ efforts, highlighting that the Nigerian Army’s success relies heavily on local backing. “The Nigerian Army belongs to the people,” he reiterated, stressing that community support is vital to achieving their objectives By fostering this synergy, the military can better protect civilians and prevent conflicts, as seen in successful peacekeeping operations.

During his interaction with Honorable Bashir Salihu, Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, traditional leaders, and heads of security agencies in Illela, the Ag COAS underscored the need for collective action to defend Nigeria.