General Musa appealed to all Nigerian Army during the official handover ceremony for Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede, who has been appointed acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Friday in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has urged top officers and commanders of the armed forces to work collaboratively to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria.
General Musa appealed to all Nigerian Army during the official handover ceremony for Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede, who has been appointed acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Friday in Abuja.
He explained the pressing need for a unified response to the various challenges facing the nation, stating that President Bola Tinubu's decision to appoint the acting COAS was a strategic move to ensure continuity in leadership and prevent any operational gaps.
"We cannot afford to stay back and allow insecurity to continue to prevail," Musa declared.
He urged all personnel to support the new acting COAS to ensure his success in leading the Army during this critical period.
While stressing the importance of solidarity within the ranks, he referred to Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja as a disciplined officer committed to maintaining operational efficiency in his absence.
"I want to count on all of us—whatever issues we have in mind, please prioritize Nigeria’s survival and the effectiveness of the Armed Forces," he stated.
Recognising the challenges faced by commanders in the field, Gen Musa commended their efforts in combating banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.
He acknowledged the remarkable resilience and performance of the troops but stressed the need for vigilance, particularly as the nation approaches December, a period often marked by increased security threats.
"As we move towards December, we must take all necessary measures to ensure that Nigeria remains peaceful," Musa concluded, reinforcing the urgency of collective action against insecurity.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) assured that all military services would collaborate to ensure the safety of Nigeria in accordance with the Commander-in-Chief's mandate.
General Musa explained that the responsibility for administering the Nigerian Army now falls to Major General Oluyede.
He said, "Your responsibilities are extensive and cannot be fully outlined in this administrative note. All will adhere to your new role, which begins now as you take charge of the Nigerian Army's affairs," he stated.
"Following this formal event, you will receive a comprehensive briefing from the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and other Principal Staff Officers."
He noted that the decision to appoint Oluyede was based on his extensive knowledge of military leadership, as well as his character and competence.
"You are now part of a broader team of dedicated professional soldiers committed to defending Nigeria's territorial integrity across land, sea, and air, as outlined in our Constitution.
"It is expected that you will build upon and enhance the accomplishments of your predecessors, ensuring the Nigerian Army maintains its renowned standards of professionalism, discipline, resilience, and regimentation recognised worldwide," he added.
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