By Asma’u Uba Muhammad
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized the need for developing and integrating indigenous technological solutions to enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities.
Oluyede made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week 2025 in Kano.
The annual event, which runs from June 16 to 20, is being hosted in Kano and brings together senior serving and retired military personnel, defence experts, and representatives of sister services and security agencies.
Represented by Chief of Training (Army) Maj. Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo said the Nigerian Army had adapted its Order of Battle, training, and doctrine to address emerging security challenges, adding that these successes would not have been possible without the contributions of the Combat Support Arms.
“The Combat Arms would rarely achieve success in battle without adequate fire and engineer support, effective communication as well as actionable intelligence,” he said.
He commended the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Intelligence Corps for their ongoing innovations, acquisitions, and training efforts.
Oluyede noted that many of these developments would be showcased during the training week.
“The Combat Support Arms Training Week is a platform for strategic reflection and professional development.
“I urged participants to come up with practical recommendations that would enhance combat readiness, professionalism, and sound administration,” he said.
The COAS also lamented the military’s over-reliance on foreign equipment, highlighting the associated financial costs and its impact on Nigeria’s quest for technical self-reliance.
“I commend the choice of this year’s theme: ‘Harnessing the Capacity of Combat Support Arms Through Indigenous Technology for Effective Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,’ which reflects our collective aspiration to build homegrown capabilities.
“I assure you that the Nigerian Army leadership would continue to invest in local solutions and provide necessary support to realise this goal,” he explained.
The COAS also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to upholding its constitutional responsibilities, adding that personnel remained loyal and ready to defend the nation.
Ugbo said COSAT Week provides a platform for personnel of the Corps of Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence to share ideas, review strategies, and advance professionalism in supporting the Combat Arms.
“The 2025 edition is aimed at fostering professionalism and brainstorming on how gunners, sappers, signallers and intelligence personnel can effectively support combat operations,” he said.
According to him, this year’s theme, “Harnessing the Capacity of Combat Support Arms through Indigenous Technology for Effective Operational Support within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote local content and innovation.
He said embracing local technology would boost the Nigerian Army’s self-reliance and enhance its ability to respond to both current and emerging threats.
Ugbo noted that the Nigerian Army’s efforts must be well-coordinated and integrated with sister services, the academic community, and other stakeholders to achieve effective results.
The Commander said five lectures have been lined up for the week, alongside a static display of new equipment and innovations developed by the Combat Support Arms.
He urged participants to engage freely, be open-minded, and take full advantage of the knowledge shared by resource persons and experts.
In a remark, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to safeguard lives and property, pledging to strengthen ongoing security initiatives across the state.
Represented by the commissioner for internal security, AVM Ibrahim Umar rtd, said that the administration of Gov. Yusuf remained resolute in its efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability.
