Kano: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has underscored the importance of indigenous technological solutions to boost the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army. Oluyede made this assertion while inaugurating the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week 2025 in Kano.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the annual event, which runs from June 16 to 20, gathers senior military personnel, defense experts, and representatives from sister services and security agencies. Represented by the Chief of Training (Army) Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo, Oluyede stated that the Nigerian Army had revised its 'Order of Battle, Training and Doctrine' to tackle emerging security challenges, with contributions from the Combat Support Arms being pivotal to these successes.
The COAS highlighted that the Combat Arms rely heavily on adequate fire and engineer support, effective communication, and actionable intelligence to achieve success in battle. He praised the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Intelligence Corps for their ongoing innovations and training efforts, which will be featured during the training week.
Oluyede emphasized the significance of the Combat Support Arms Training Week as a platform for strategic reflection and professional development. He encouraged participants to propose practical recommendations for enhancing combat readiness, professionalism, and administration. Additionally, he lamented the military's dependence on foreign equipment, citing financial costs and its impact on Nigeria's pursuit of technical self-reliance.
The COAS expressed appreciation for the theme of this year's event, 'Harnessing the Capacity of Combat Support Arms Through Indigenous Technology for Effective Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,' reflecting the collective aspiration to develop domestic capabilities. He assured continued investment in local solutions and support from the Nigerian Army leadership.
Oluyede also extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the Army's commitment to upholding its constitutional responsibilities, with personnel remaining loyal and ready to defend the nation.
Earlier, the Commander, Corps Signals, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, noted that COSAT Week facilitates the sharing of ideas and strategies among personnel of the Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Intelligence to advance professionalism in supporting the Combat Arms. The 2025 edition aims to enhance professionalism and brainstorm on effective support for combat operations.
Ugbo emphasized that this year's theme aligns with the Federal Government's drive to promote local content and innovation, which would enhance the Army's self-reliance and responsiveness to current and emerging threats. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts with sister services, the academic community, and other stakeholders to achieve effective results, aligning with the Chief of Army Staff's Command Philosophy.
The commander announced that five lectures are scheduled for the week, along with a static display of new equipment and innovations developed by the Combat Support Arms. Participants were urged to engage freely and take advantage of the knowledge shared by resource persons and experts.
In a related remark, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf reaffirmed the state government's commitment to safeguarding lives and property, pledging to strengthen ongoing security initiatives across the state. Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security, retired AVM Ibrahim Umar, the governor emphasized the administration's dedication to ensuring lasting peace and stability.