By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a powerful message of reassurance and renewed hope, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has pledged unwavering commitment to safeguarding the progress achieved in Yobe State and beyond, vowing that the specter of Boko Haram will never again cast its shadow over the region.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu recently, General Oluyede delivered a strong statement of intent: the days of terror and instability are firmly in the past, and the Nigerian Army is resolute in ensuring they stay there.
Having previously served in Yobe during some of its most turbulent times, the Army Chief spoke not only as a military leader but as someone deeply connected to the land and its people. “I was here when peace was a distant dream, and I was part of the effort to make it real,” he said. “Now, as Chief of Army Staff, I carry that mission with greater responsibility. We are not going back. Not on my watch.”
Oluyede’s visit was more than ceremonial. It was strategic – part of a broader initiative to evaluate current military operations, raise troop morale, and chart a course for even stronger security infrastructure across the region. With plans to deploy additional personnel and modern enablers, the Army is evolving, adapting, and ready to meet any emerging threats with precision and resolve.
“The people of Yobe can look to the horizon with confidence,” Oluyede declared. “The peace we’ve built is the foundation of a brighter future. We are not only defending against threats-we are enabling communities to thrive again.”
As regional instability in the wider Sahel continues to pose a looming challenge, Oluyede emphasized the importance of vigilance and unity. “The flames in the Sahel must not reach our borders. We must act with urgency and clarity-this is our time to fortify our defenses and deepen our resolve.”
Governor Buni welcomed the Army’s renewed dedication, commending their sacrifices and steadfastness. He expressed his administration’s readiness to continue working hand-in-hand with the military, and encouraged a more community-centered approach to intelligence gathering—one that prioritizes trust and cooperation over suspicion.
“This is a new chapter for Yobe,” the Governor said. “We are moving from fear to strength, from survival to growth. Our people deserve to live without the echoes of gunfire, and with the promise of opportunity.”
General Oluyede’s entourage included key military leaders – Theatre Commander Major General AE Abubakar, Provost Marshal Major General A. Garba, and Artillery Corps Commander Major General ZL Abubakar – all united in the mission to ensure that the Northeast’s hard-won peace not only endures, but expands.
As the visit concluded, one message rang clear across Yobe: hope is no longer a distant dream-it is here, protected by those who refuse to let history repeat itself.
