COAS hands over new Armour Tanks to Operation HADIN KAI

By Andrew Orolua

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has handed over newly acquired Vanquish Armoured Tankers to the Commander Operation HADIN KAI Major General Abdulsalam Abdulsalam.

General Oluyede made the presentation during the 2025 Bi-Annual Army Conference held at the Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State after unveiling the newly acquired Vanquish Armoured Tankers.

He urged Nigerian Army troops to remain resolute and proactive in the face of recent insurgent attacks and operational challenges.

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COAS emphasised that setbacks should not dampen their morale but rather inspire renewed commitment, sacrifice, and strategic innovation to defeat terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements destabilizing the country.

The tanks, equipped with advanced features including night vision capabilities, the ability to travel over 80 kilometers on flat tires, full suspension modifications, and 360-degree protection, that were officially handed over would not doubt boost the troops capability in checking recent reinsurgence of terrorists in North East.

Engr. Ishaku Duwa, representing the manufacturers, highlighted the tanks’ operational readiness and suitability for the evolving battlefield.

Declaring the conference open, Lieutenant General Oluyede noted that the three-day deliberations are focused on delivering strategic foresight, aligning operations, and fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities to enhance security outcomes.

He acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents and reaffirmed the Army’s readiness to adapt.
“The terrorists have embraced new strategies aimed at influencing the battlespace. While we have suffered painful losses, including gallant officers who paid the supreme price, we must not let these sacrifices go in vain,” he stated.

The COAS stressed the importance of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, reaffirming the Army’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for national peace and development.

He called for more closer and intense inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, security agencies, and government institutions at all levels.

General Oluyede thanked President Tinubu for his strategic direction and continued support, which he said has been instrumental in operational successes.

He also extended appreciation to state governors, traditional rulers, the media, and Nigerians for their contributions in combating terrorism and criminality.

The participants of the conference drawn from army command positions are expected to harness opportunities for inter-agency synergy and develop implementable solutions that will further strengthen national security efforts.