The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday, appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Defence and Army at the National Assembly for screening for confirmation as a substantive COAS.
Oluyede while addressing the Committees promised enhanced security that would bring a lasting peace to the country if confirmed in a substantive position.
The Acting COAS stressed that the security environment in the country today required a united effort on the part of every Nigerian and called for strong bilateral and multilateral alliances with neighbouring countries, as well as deep collaboration and joint efforts by the services and other security agencies.
“I am glad that this administration of His Excellency Bola Tinubu is on the right path to providing the enabling security environment for socio-economic activities to thrive and restore a dear country to the path of pride and success,” he said.
He also said the Nigerian Army requires tactical aircraft for optimal operations.
According to him,“Aircraft have different strata of employment. We have the tactical and the strategic strata of employment. Now the air support that we require as an army is one at the tactical level, whereby the aircraft should be ready at the force during operations, combat operations, at the tactical level, while the air force, being the main player in that sphere, are to give us strategic cover. So we require those aircraft and the air wing to support our operations,” he said.
He said that there was robust cooperation between the Armed Forces and that he intended to enhance this to ensure that Nigeria has better security and better socio-economic development.
Speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon Babajimi Benson, said that Nigeria continues to grapple with an evolving spectrum of security challenges, ranging from insurgency and banditry to communal clashes and cyber threats.
He said for over a decade, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been at the forefront of responding to these challenges, launching numerous operations and providing vital support to internal security efforts.
While commending the significant successes recorded in recent years, he pointed out that it is clear more work remains to be done to achieve sustainable peace across all regions of the country.
According to him, “the current dynamics of global security demand innovative and adaptive strategies. Threats are no longer confined to traditional battlefields; they now extend to cyberspace, economic domains and even the socio-political fabric of nations.
“In light of this, we must prioritise a forward-looking approach to national defence, ensuring that our military is well-equipped and adequately trained to address both conventional and emerging threats,” he said.
He said as a partner in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous Nigeria, the House remained steadfast in its commitment to legislative oversight and support for the Armed Forces.
Benson said the House would continue to provide the necessary legal frameworks, advocate for adequate funding and monitor the implementation of appropriations to ensure accountability and transparency in military operations.
He stressed that the position carries immense responsibility, hence the Chief of Army Staff must lead with integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to the protection of lives and property.
According to him, “If confirmed, you will be expected to foster synergy among security agencies, prioritize the welfare of troops and uphold the trust of Nigerians.
“This committee will ask questions that reflect the concerns of our constituents and the nation as a whole. We urge you to provide comprehensive and candid responses to guide our deliberations.
“In closing, I wish the nominee the very best during this screening exercise. Your role is pivotal in Nigeria’s journey toward lasting peace and stability and we look forward to working with you to achieve this goal.”
