The Traffic

"Tinubu Names Maj-Gen Oluyede as Acting Army Chief, Vows to Boost Security Nationwide"

By Achimi Muktari

In a significant leadership shift, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), assuring Nigerians of enhanced security measures. The announcement follows the indisposition of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Oluyede will serve in an acting capacity until Lagbaja's return. Oluyede, who previously commanded the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

A distinguished military leader, Oluyede has served in various capacities since his commissioning in 1992. Notably, he has participated in key operations such as the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East. His accolades include the Corps Medal of Honour and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

Meanwhile, Senator Adamu Aliero from Kebbi State praised Tinubu for addressing the region's security challenges and for flagging off the long-delayed Sokoto-Badagry road construction, which had been ignored by successive administrations for 48 years.

In another development, the federal government has announced its collaboration with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) to tackle terrorism and other security threats. Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru emphasized the

federal government's commitment to combating terrorism and other organized crimes threatening Nigeria and the global community.

During a courtesy call led by Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary General of IMCTC, to the Ministry of Defence, Badaru emphasized the importance of international partnerships in addressing terrorism.

Badaru pledged the Ministry’s full support to collaborate with the IMCTC and NCTC, ensuring a more robust and coordinated approach to counter-terrorism efforts. He highlighted the need for strategic engagements with service chiefs and other security agencies, stressing that the cooperation with IMCTC would bolster Nigeria’s efforts in neutralizing terrorist activities and ensuring national security.

This collaboration marks a renewed push by the federal government to eliminate the growing threats posed by non-state armed groups and terrorists, a critical step in securing not just Nigeria but the West African region.

As Tinubu strengthens Nigeria’s military leadership and reinforces international alliances, the government aims to create a safer environment for all Nigerians, particularly in regions where insecurity has hindered economic activities, such as Kebbi. With these moves, hopes are high that the nation's security architecture will experience much-needed improvements.