Citizens’ Support Vital to Defeating Insurgency – Army Chief

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate responsible citizenship and actively participate in addressing the country’s security challenges.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Tertiary Students and Future Journalists Parley — held at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG) — Oluyede stressed that the fight against insecurity requires the collective effort of all citizens. The event was organised by the African Centre for Media and Inter-Cultural Dialogue (ACMID) and the Nigerian Army, in partnership with the Mass Communication Students Association of UNILAG.

Represented by the Commander of the 9th Brigade, Brig. Gen. Olawale Oyekola, the Army chief underscored the critical importance of media collaboration in military operations, stating that success hinges not just on weapons and training, but also on public perception, support, and narrative control.

He identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, secessionist agitations, farmers-herders conflicts, and communal clashes as major threats to national stability. “No army, regardless of its training or equipment, can win a war without the trust and backing of the people,” he warned.

Oluyede further emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity—ethnic, cultural, religious, and natural resources—must be a unifying force rather than a tool for division by subversive groups.

“The Nigerian Army has since adopted a whole-of-society approach to tackle the security challenges confronting our country. I implore all citizens to imbibe positive and active security participation,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, acknowledged the critical sacrifices of the military in safeguarding the nation and called for improved public understanding and media cooperation to foster national unity.

In a related remark, Dr. Olunifesi Suraj, Executive Director of ACMID and UNILAG lecturer, stressed the need for balanced media coverage of military affairs.

“We are not saying the media should be apologetic to the military or condone wrongs. What we are saying is that there should be a common front for national security,” Suraj said. “The military must respect human rights, and the media and civilians must understand the limits in disseminating sensitive information. National security should come first.”