By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Nigerian Army, Major General Shamsudeen Shafaru, has commended troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), for their resilience, professionalism and unwavering dedication in the fight against insurgency in the region.
Major General Shafaru gave the commendation during an operational assessment visit to the Theatre of Operation Hadin Kai, where he toured the Headquarters Theatre Command as well as sectors, components, formations and units across the area of responsibility.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the CCE explained that the visit was aimed at assessing the operational capacity of Nigerian Army Engineers personnel deployed in the theatre and identifying ways to further enhance their effectiveness.
While addressing troops, Major General Shafaru praised the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and personnel of OPHK for their courage, dedication and selfless service despite the harsh terrain and psychological demands of asymmetric warfare.
He particularly acknowledged the crucial contributions of Nigerian Army Engineers to the operational successes recorded in the North East.
The CCE noted that the visit was guided by the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat ready and resilient force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency framework.
He added that Operation Hadin Kai was among the first theatres he chose to visit upon assumption of office, stressing the need to strengthen professionalism and improve the performance of engineer troops, especially in the North East.
Major General Shafaru assured personnel of sustained focus on training and capacity development, while pledging the provision of modern engineering platforms and equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and support ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorism in the region.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and strategic in view of evolving security threats.
He highlighted the indispensable role of Nigerian Army Engineers in mitigating these threats and assured the CCE of the safety and welfare of engineer personnel deployed in the theatre.
He also appealed for continued support through the provision of additional operational enablers to ensure mission success.
The visit featured detailed operational briefings at the Theatre Headquarters, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs and a guided tour of selected sectors and formations within the Operation Hadin Kai theatre.
