The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has underscored the necessity for adaptive and innovative strategies in tackling the evolving security challenges facing Nigeria. Speaking through the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Oluyede made this declaration on Wednesday during the 2025 edition of the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week held in Kano.
The annual event, which brought together senior serving and retired military personnel, defence experts, and representatives from other security agencies, served as a platform for high-level discourse on improving the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede noted that the Nigerian Army has already begun implementing significant reforms in its Order of Battle, training frameworks, and operational doctrine to meet emerging threats. These changes, he said, are complemented by stronger collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, which collectively enhance the military’s ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
“The successes recorded so far in our operations would not have been possible without the critical contributions of the Combat Support Arms,” he stated. Oluyede praised the consistent efforts of these specialized units—comprising artillery, engineers, signals, and intelligence personnel—for their indispensable support to the Combat Arms.
He explained that fire support, engineering expertise, robust communication systems, and actionable intelligence remain crucial to battlefield success. He also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Intelligence Corps for their ongoing innovations, equipment acquisitions, and training programs, which continue to strengthen the Army’s mission readiness.
Oluyede stressed that events like the COSAT Week are vital for brainstorming, strategic re-evaluation, and capacity building among military stakeholders. “This training week is expected to lead to improved professionalism, heightened combat readiness, and sound administration—hallmarks of my Command Philosophy,” he added.
Earlier in the event, the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, highlighted that the 2025 COSAT Week is geared towards fostering collaboration and professionalism among gunners, sappers, signallers, and intelligence operatives. According to him, the theme of this year’s edition—“Harnessing the Capacity of Combat Support Arms through Indigenous Technology for Effective Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”—reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to promoting indigenous solutions in alignment with the Federal Government’s drive for local innovation.
Ugbo further noted that embracing indigenous technology will boost the Army’s self-sufficiency and enhance its responsiveness to both current and future security threats. He emphasized the importance of synergy between the Army, sister security services, academia, and other stakeholders in achieving lasting operational efficiency.
“This collaborative approach is consistent with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of transforming the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated, combat-ready force operating within a joint and multi-agency framework,” he concluded.
