By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to remain vigilant, avoid complacency, and sustain an aggressive operational posture as the fight against terrorism intensifies in the North East.
During an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK) in Maiduguri, General Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to neutralising remaining terrorist elements and restoring long-term stability to the region.
The visit, according to the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, focused on reviewing the security landscape, evaluating operational efficiency, enhancing strategic coordination, and strengthening partnerships with security agencies to tackle evolving threats.
The COAS commended their courage and resilience, urging them to maintain maximum situational awareness and continue denying terrorists freedom of action across the theatre. He stressed that sustained operational aggressiveness and proactive intelligence gathering remain essential to consolidating recent gains.
General Shaibu also held a strategy session with senior officers of the Theatre Command, where he emphasised firm supervision, improved coordination, and intensified intelligence operations as key pillars for driving OPHK’s successes.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the Army Chief on ongoing operations, recent achievements, and operational challenges requiring attention.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State paid a courtesy call on the COAS. The Governor congratulated General Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, noting that his deep experience in the theatre had significantly contributed to the reduction of insurgency in the state.
Governor Zulum expressed confidence that the Army under General Shaibu’s leadership would further consolidate on ongoing efforts to eliminate remnants of insurgent groups and restore lasting peace. He reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Borno State Government and its commitment to sustained collaboration with the military and other security actors.
In response, General Shaibu commended the Governor for his consistent support and assured him that the Nigerian Army would intensify operations to achieve enduring peace and normalcy across Borno and the wider North East.
The COAS was accompanied on the visit by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters.
