The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for stronger cooperation among the Nigerian Armed Forces to address the country’s growing security challenges.
Oluyede made the call while speaking at the Naval Staff Annual Retreat in Abuja, where he stressed the need for greater coordination, intelligence sharing and joint operations among the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
He said the changing nature of modern warfare requires the military services to work together more effectively to confront criminal networks, insurgency and other security threats across the country.
According to the defence chief, joint military operations remain essential to tackling threats that operate across different geographical terrains and security environments.
JOINT OPERATIONS RECORDING RESULTS
Oluyede highlighted the achievements recorded through intelligence-driven operations involving the three military services.
He said coordinated military efforts had weakened the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, helped protect critical national infrastructure and reduced economic sabotage.
The defence chief particularly identified progress in tackling crude oil theft and maritime criminal activities along Nigeria’s coastal areas.
He maintained that sustained collaboration would strengthen the military’s ability to respond to emerging threats and improve the country’s overall security situation.
MILITARY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRATIC VALUES
The Chief of Defence Staff also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.
He said the military would continue adapting its operational strategies to protect the country’s territorial integrity and respond effectively to changing security demands.
Oluyede commended personnel serving on the frontlines for their resilience, dedication and professionalism.
He urged officers and soldiers to maintain a high level of operational readiness while embracing modern technology and improved military strategies.
He added that the Armed Forces must continue evolving towards a more proactive and technology-driven approach to national defence.
NAVAL CHIEF REVIEWS OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, convened the annual retreat to assess the performance of naval commands and evaluate the implementation of strategic directives over the past year.
The meeting brought together principal staff officers, flag officers commanding and commanders of autonomous naval units.
Abbas said the retreat provided an opportunity to examine the Navy’s progress, identify operational gaps and align institutional priorities with the country’s changing security needs.
He emphasised the importance of improving operational effectiveness, strengthening fleet capabilities and deepening cooperation with other security agencies.
The retreat is also expected to provide strategic direction for improving naval readiness and inter-agency coordination as Nigeria confronts increasing security demands.
The military leadership maintained that stronger cooperation, effective intelligence sharing and modern operational capabilities remain essential to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
