Mohamed Garba
In a declaration signaling an imminent shift in operational strategy, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, announced that enemy forces would soon experience a significant impact from a suite of newly introduced combat techniques and procedures. The statement came during a firepower demonstration exercise at the Victor Kure Armour range in Bauchi, marking the conclusion of the 2025 Combat Arms Training Week.
During the event, which brought together a wide array of army personnel including senior officers and returning veterans, Major General Henry Wesley of the Ordnance Corps—acting as the COAS’s representative—detailed the strategic overhaul underway. “This particular event is very important because we have discussed strategies, operations, and tactics, and at the end, it is at the tip of the spear that all these will be reflected,” Wesley stated. He underlined that the Federal Government’s decisive investments in state-of-the-art equipment and weaponry were central to the effort to counter insurgency and terrorism effectively.
Lieutenant General Oluyede further explained that the modifications being introduced into the Nigerian Army’s doctrine would see immediate operational benefits. “What you are expected to see very soon is the change in the tide of activities based on the new modus operandi and how we conduct our operations at all levels,” he said.
The chief stressed that while adversaries have yet to face these advancements directly, the result would be unmistakable once implemented. “By the time they see us, the government has already bought a lot of equipment and weapons. Some are already in the field, some are still coming,” he added, clearly outlining the proactive measures taken by both the Army and the Presidency under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The week-long Combat Arms Training event served not only as a platform for showcasing new strategies but also as an essential forum for open discussion on the challenges facing combat arms operations.
Major General Obinna Ajunwa, the Commander of Armoured Corps, noted that the exercise enabled military personnel—from the most junior soldiers to seasoned retired officers—to engage directly with the new operational procedures. Ajunwa commended everyone for their participation and stressed that this collective effort was vital for ensuring that the forward-looking plans were fully integrated into routine operations.
This strategic shift reflects the broader commitment of the Nigerian government and the Army to transform national security measures. With the integration of new tactics into its core doctrine, the Nigerian Army is set to reinforce its position against insurgent threats and terrorism.
