This decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has immediately drawn the attention of both political scientists and military strategists, as General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed to be the new Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
This is a decision that is coming at the most wanton period as Nigeria is confronted with various forms of insecurity ranging from Boko Haram, banditry attacks, to ethnic crises. It basically seeks to evaluate the Nigerian security implication of this appointment and what it portends for the nation’s security.
About Major General Olufemi Oluyede
Major General Olufemi Oluyede, who assumed the rank of Acting Chief of Army Staff, had risen through several ranks within the Nigerian Army before his promotion. He has gained experience in many fields, like operational planning and strategizing for the military force.
His last assignment was as director of training and operations at the Army Headquarters and therefore had a clear vision of the factors associated with modern warfare.
General Olufemi Oluyede had education in military training within the country and even had international training. He is specifically experienced in strategic thinking and managing change in military systems, which will prove beneficial as he transitions into this position.
The timing of the appointment
This appointment comes at a time when insecurity has become a major issue across the country under President Tinubu’s administration. The nation has been facing insecurity challenges arising from terrorism from groups such as Boko Haram and Herdsmen. Also more frequent cases of cattle rustling, especially in the northern parts of the country, and ethnic conflict in some areas all over the country.
As President Tinubu promised,
“The security of our nation is paramount.” Major General Oluyede is a strong leader, and his devotion to our armed forces is exceptional. This is a strategic appointment that will ensure that we confront these security issues squarely.”
Challenges Ahead & Their Analysis
Public security is a critical concern that can be closely associated with one of the major threats that the new Acting Chief of Army Staff has to confront, namely, the insurgency in the North-East. The region is still at the mercy of groups such as Boko Haram, despite massive expenditure on the military in the last decade.
On this type of insurgency, to defeat it, Major General Olufemi Oluyede will have to think outside the box for additional tactics and techniques to counter the insurgents while at the same time responding to the humanitarian issues that have come with the situation.
The increase in the rate at which bandits and kidnappers for ransom dominate the north of Nigeria has reached heightened levels and is causing concern to the government and the people. As Oluyede moves to occupy the new position, he will have to work with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies and militia groups to address this emerging issue.
Expectations of Major General Olufemi Oluyede
Given his background and experience, there is a lot that is expected of Major General Oluyede, especially in achieving a turnaround in a short space of time. Some experts suggested that he will be more likely to be engaged in military operations and aim to reduce the losses from threats through intelligence operations.
Political analyst Dr. Sarah Adeyemi said,
“Oluyede’s appointment is an opportunity for the military to come out of the woods and restore confidence in the Nigerian population.”
The general public desires to have outcomes in the form of physical security in their neighborhoods.
It is crucial to have leadership within the military, especially in a country like Nigeria wherein armed forces have been questioned in terms of their actions and behavior. Oluyede’s military rank as a Major General means that his leadership is central to the morale and efficacy of the military personnel under his command.
Similarly, during an interview, Oluyede had this to say
“we are to change the Nigerian Army to a force that would not only demonstrate power and prowess in the theater of war, but a force that would also enjoy the support of the citizenry.”
This feeling has aptly highlighted the need for responsibility and more to be put in the military deployment.
Working with the civil authorities
The President gave a word on this saying, “Security is not only for the military.” That indicates that in order to deliver the solutions that solve needs identified by our communities, we owe it to the communities to spend time with them.
Thus, it is essential to analyze the cooperation of military and civil bodies as the factor in managing Nigeria’s security threats. In this case, Major General Oluyede will require the support of the governors of the respective states and other community leaders to ensure that there is cooperation in the fight and promotion of peace and security.
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Conclusion
The recent appointment of the highly qualified Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff is a positive advancement for Nigeria’s struggle against its security threats. Looking at the concept of military experience, strategic thinking, and collaboration, Oluyede is capable of bringing great change into the nation’s security.
Given that Nigeria is still in a volatile environment with many threats to its sovereignty and stability, the bar is going to be set high for Oluyede to meet. The success of his tenure has to come from military might as well as from the ability to reconnect with the people and have their trust again in the armed forces of the nation. The coming months will be important in shaping the future of Nigeria’s military operations and the general security structure of the country.
According to President Tinubu: “In peace and security, let’s fight as one. We have Major General Oluyede on our side in this noble fight”. As the nation anticipates the new phase in its military leadership, the expectation is that this appointment marks the beginning of a new power and efficiency in the fight against the emerging complex problems.
