The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, issued a stern warning to adversaries on Tuesday, declaring that their time to disrupt the peace of the nation is running out. He vowed that the Nigerian Army would take decisive measures against the various criminal elements threatening national security.
Oluyede made the remarks during the opening of ‘Exercise Vulcan Glow XI 2025 Study Period’ at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State. Represented by Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Deputy Chief of Training Army, the COAS explained that the exercise aims to prepare artillery formations and units to effectively support Nigerian Army operations.
Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede emphasized the need for the Army to adopt innovative approaches, particularly in delivering precise and efficient fire support. He commended the Corps of Artillery for its progress in equipment repair, maintenance, and research and development, especially praising the use of indigenous solutions to overcome technical challenges.
The Army chief encouraged artillery personnel to continuously improve their operational readiness through rigorous training and consistent equipment upkeep. He reiterated his commitment to backing the corps’ efforts to evolve its research and development programs into world-class repair and maintenance units.
Expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, Oluyede highlighted the importance of strong leadership in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s capabilities.
Maj.-Gen. Zakaria Abubakar, Commander of the Corps of Artillery, described the exercise as an annual field training event designed to sharpen artillery tactics, techniques, and procedures across conventional, hybrid, and counter-terrorism operations. He noted that the drill aligns with the COAS’s strategic vision to advance the Nigerian Army’s transformation.
Abubakar stressed that the exercise would culminate in a live-fire demonstration, showcasing the artillery personnel’s proficiency in operating artillery guns. He praised the corps’ dedication to strengthening its firepower capabilities in support of ongoing military operations.
The exercise also serves as an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to demonstrate its commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition, retired Maj.-Gen. T.A. Gagariga delivered a lecture titled, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Through Realistic Training and Maintenance of Artillery Platforms for Effective Fire Support to Nigerian Army Operations Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” further reinforcing the focus on training and operational excellence.