By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Defence Communication (CDC), Defence Headquarters, Major General Edore Agbebaku, has paid his maiden operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, with a strong push for enhanced joint communication across military operations.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the CDC received detailed briefings on the theatre’s communication architecture and thereafter held interactive sessions with component commanders and communication experts.
Major General Agbebaku said the visit was aimed at assessing existing communication infrastructure, improving information flow within the command-and-control system, and strengthening collaboration in the management of critical communication assets.
He noted the engagement offered as an opportunity to hear directly from field commanders on their operational realities and identify how the Department of Defence Communication can better support the theatre.
He revealed that the Defence Headquarters has been reviewing requests from various theatres and has approved the establishment of modular earth observation centres across all operational zones. His visit, he explained, was in line with DHQ’s directive to determine areas requiring urgent intervention, particularly within OPHK.
Reaffirming the importance of interoperability among the services, the CDC stressed that achieving seamless joint communication remains a top priority for the Armed Forces.
“Advocating for joint communication practice in the Armed Forces is a top priority. Modifying privacy protocols within our networks is the way forward,” he stated.
Major General Agbebaku called for sustained synergy among all OPHK components and assured continued support from the Defence Headquarters. He also commended the Theatre Commander, officers, and personnel of the operation for their steadfast commitment to restoring peace in the North East.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, In his remarks, expressed appreciation for the visit and praised the CDC for his commitment to strengthening national security through improved communication systems. He underscored the vital role of communication in warfare, stating: “If you haven’t got communication, you haven’t got anything.”
Present during the visit were the Deputy Theatre Commander, AVM Essen Efanga; Component Commanders; the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu; as well as principal staff officers of the theatre.
