The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed his commitment to restoring lasting peace in Nigeria if confirmed for the position. Oluyede made the promise during his appearance before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
Highlighting the pressing security challenges facing the nation, Oluyede emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians, robust international alliances, and closer collaboration among the country’s security agencies.
He stated, “The security environment in the country requires a united effort from every Nigerian. Strong bilateral and multilateral alliances, alongside joint efforts by all security services, are essential.”
Oluyede’s nomination follows the tragic passing of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, after a brief illness. Before Lagbaja’s demise, Oluyede had been acting in the role, pending the former Chief’s recovery.
Reflecting on his over 30 years of service in the Nigerian Army, Oluyede assured lawmakers of his readiness to leverage his experience to lead the institution effectively, if confirmed. He pledged to drive positive changes within the Army to better address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Call for Tactical Aircraft Support
Oluyede also stressed the critical need for tactical aircraft to enhance operational effectiveness. He explained the necessity of having tactical-level air support readily available during combat operations, complementing the strategic cover provided by the Air Force.
Legislative Oversight and Collaboration
The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, acknowledged the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security challenges, ranging from insurgency to cyber threats. He praised the Armed Forces for recent successes but noted that significant work remains to achieve sustainable peace nationwide.
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Benson emphasized the importance of equipping and training the military to address both conventional and emerging threats. He assured continued legislative oversight, advocacy for adequate funding, and monitoring of military operations to ensure accountability.
The screening outcome will be reviewed and presented to the House during Thursday’s plenary. If confirmed, Oluyede is expected to lead with integrity, foster synergy among security agencies, and prioritize the welfare of troops to uphold public trust.
