- Says Army to revolutionise operations with innovative digital solutions
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has vowed to adopt the “soldiers first” principle in his command of the Nigerian Army in an effort to upscale troops’ standard of living and shore up their morale.
General Oluyede, who spoke about the general welfare and well-being of soldiers while addressing troops of 26 Brigade in Dutse during his working tour to the formation on Tuesday 18 February 2025, disclosed that effort is in top gear to increase the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for soldiers in order to enhance their feeding wherever they are deployed.
The COAS urged them to take advantage of the several welfare schemes such as the Affordable Housing Ownership Options for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) and other financial empowerment schemes that have been established to bring succor to soldiers and their families.
The Army Chief informed that over 400 soldiers have so far benefitted from the AHOOAS Scheme, amongst which were soldiers wounded-in-action action in various operations.
He charged the troops to train vigorously in order to remain physically and medically fit and professional.
The COAS commended the troops for keeping their area of responsibility secured and admonished them to be law abiding and avoid any unlawful indulgence, adding that he will not be hesitant in bringing defaulters to book. The COAS later inspected the newly completed Brigade Headquarters and other ongoing projects, and also commissioned the Brigade’s new Obstacle Course.
Earlier, the Commander 26 Brigade Brigadier General Joseph Mackintosh gave the COAS a brief on the security situation of the Brigade’s area of responsibility and highlighted the challenges confronting the troops.
He assured that troops of the Brigade will remain resilient in guaranteeing the safety and security of their area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, in a bid to enhance operational effectiveness, the Nigerian Army (NA) is poised to leverage cutting-edge digital technology. This move is expected to transform the military’s capabilities, ensuring better protection of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This decision came to limelight on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 during the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation digital transformation seminar at Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing NA Operational Efficiency Through Digital Transformation and Innovation within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede stated that military’s security architecture is on the threshold of a technological revolution driven by digitalization and artificial intelligence which has greatly influenced the conduct of modern day warfare with the use of smart munitions to reduce collateral damage during military operations.
The COAS represented by Commander NA Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Adeleke Ayannuga stated that NA is transitioning from traditional to smart concepts, adopting digital technology to enhance operational effectiveness. The transition, he said will improve troops’ proficiency in providing timely and accurate fire support, as well as enhance their all-weather fighting capability. The Army Chief emphasized the need for the Nigerian Army to share ideas, foster partnerships, and ignite the spirit of technology and innovation to combat security challenges.
He reiterated the army’s commitment to fostering partnerships with other security and government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and local communities.
General Oluyede pointed out that the seminar is in line with his command philosophy “to consolidate the transformation of the NA towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment”.
The COAS commend the loyalty and dedication of personnel towards stemming insecurity across the nation, while urging them to envision a future where the nation’s security challenges are met with innovative and technological solutions.
He assured personnel that the NA under his watch, will continue to provide the necessary resources and guidance required for effective operations.
He expressed gratitude to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and invaluable support to the NA, and assured of the unalloyed loyalty of the NA.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Olusegun Abai stated that the seminar aims to actualize the COAS’ command philosophy, which focuses on enhancing the NA’s operational effectiveness through the adoption of 21st-century military infrastructure and digital technology.
He noted that the theme of the seminar underscores the importance of collaboration with other services, government establishments, and agencies in leveraging local technology to address security challenges. He pledged to continue engaging with relevant stakeholders for the realization of the COAS command philosophy.
In attendance were representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air staff, the Inspector General of Police, Controller General of Customs, representative of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, senior officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, senior officers, representative of various services, heads of Para Military Agencies, among others.