By Taiwo Oguniyi
Ilorin, Nigeria — 23, 2025
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has given Nigerian troops a 30-day deadline to reclaim territories in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State, as well as parts of Kainji Forest in Niger State, currently threatened by bandit activities.
Speaking during a visit to the 22 Armoured Brigade at Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin on Wednesday, Oluyede declared that the Nigerian Army will not permit insurgent groups to gain a foothold in the North-Central region.
“We will not sit back and watch any part of our land fall into the hands of bandits or insurgents, whether they go by the name Boko Haram or anything else,” the Army Chief said. “You have one month to flush them out and restore full control of those areas to Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to territorial integrity and national security, emphasizing that troops must rise to the challenge. “All of you have vowed to fight and reclaim what has been taken, and I believe you will keep that vow,” he told the soldiers.
Oluyede also announced ongoing efforts to improve troop welfare, including the monthly production of 100,000 military uniforms and an expenditure of over N1 billion each month on feeding. He added that plans are underway to improve housing and provide professional development opportunities for personnel.
“I want to see Nigerian soldiers become doctors, engineers, and other professionals. That’s the future we are building for the Armed Forces,” he said.
The directive follows a series of recent security breaches in the affected areas. A violent group believed to be behind attacks in Kaiama and Baruten has reportedly emerged, with at least seven people killed in an incident in Ilesha Baruba earlier this week.
General Oluyede’s visit to Kwara is part of a nationwide tour aimed at boosting troop morale and assessing operational readiness amid growing concerns over national security.
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