By Harriet Tornguvan
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s determination to intensify operations aimed at bringing insurgency in the North-East to a decisive end.
Major General Abubakar gave the assurance at the 2025 Combined West African Social Activity (WASA), jointly hosted by the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division, Nigerian Army, at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
He described WASA as a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army that promotes unity, preserves military ethics, customs and traditions, and strengthens bonds among troops, their families and well-wishers, while also marking the end of the operational year.
According to him, the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the Command’s operational engagements over the past year, noting that appreciable progress had been made in restoring law and order across the North-East, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
He said the relative peace being witnessed in the region was a product of the commitment, resilience and sacrifices of troops, operating in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The Theatre Commander expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and the Service Chiefs for their strategic direction, improved logistics and enhanced welfare support for personnel.
He assured that Operation HADIN KAI would sustain and intensify efforts to neutralise remaining terrorist elements in Borno and other parts of the North-East.
In his remarks, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained commitment to peace and security in the state.
He pledged the continued support of the Borno State Government and its people to OPHK, assuring of sustained collaboration with the Theatre Command in the quest for lasting peace.
The governor also sympathised with the families of fallen soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty and prayed for the speedy recovery of wounded personnel, describing them as patriots who sacrificed for the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, appreciated the Borno State Government for its unwavering support and strong sense of ownership of security efforts in the state.
He also commended the Theatre Commander for his leadership, while thanking the organising committee, sister security agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to peace and stability in the joint operational environment.
The colourful event featured cultural displays from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, a tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, comedy performances, awards to outstanding soldiers of the year, a suya competition, presentation of souvenirs to special guests, the beating of the retreat and the symbolic lighting of the bonfire, which marked the climax of the ceremony.
