By Nkechi Eze
In a strong show of operational determination and renewed leadership focus, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, undertook his maiden operational tour of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State, charging troops to sustain aggressive momentum against insurgents until complete victory is achieved.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit aligns with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and underscores the Nigerian Army’s reinvigorated commitment to consolidating the gains made in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the region.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices, while urging them to maintain relentless pressure on the remnants of insurgent groups until lasting peace is restored in the North East. He stressed the importance of eliminating the remaining pockets of terrorists to enable socio-economic recovery, humanitarian resettlement, and normalcy across affected communities.
The Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring adequate logistical support, enhanced welfare, and the continuous upgrading of operational platforms to boost troop morale and efficiency. He pledged to sustain and expand on the “Soldier-First” concept initiated by his predecessor, emphasizing fairness, justice, professionalism, and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to critical missions.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned. We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” General Shaibu declared.
During the visit, the COAS also paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR. He solicited the continued prayers, intelligence support, and cooperation of traditional rulers and citizens to complement ongoing military operations, assuring the royal father of the Army’s unwavering resolve to restore lasting peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.
The Shehu of Borno, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly its swift response during flooding incidents in the state. He noted that the people of Borno remain grateful for the Army’s contributions, acknowledging that no single Local Government Area is currently under the control of terrorist elements. The monarch assured the Army of continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral encouragement to ensure the total defeat of insurgency.
Highlights of the COAS’s visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, the commissioning of the newly completed Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of four blocks of 30-family Corporal and Below quarters. General Shaibu also inspected combat platforms, visited wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital, and interacted with frontline troops deployed in Bama and adjoining sectors.
The visit marked a new phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterinsurgency posture under General Shaibu’s command, reflecting his strategic determination to recalibrate operations, strengthen troop capabilities, and consolidate peacebuilding efforts for a stable and secure North East.
