By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Communication (CDC), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Edore Agbebaku, on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, undertook his maiden operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen joint operational communication across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In an official signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that Major General Agbebaku received comprehensive briefs on OPHK’s communication architecture upon arrival, followed by an interactive session with key commanders and communication specialists. According to him, the purpose of the visit was to assess existing technical communication infrastructure, enhance information flow within the command-and-control system, and deepen collaboration on maintaining critical communication assets. He added that the engagement also afforded the CDC the opportunity to interface directly with field commanders, understand their operational experiences, and identify areas where the Department of Defence Communication can provide more robust support to the theatre.
Major General Agbebaku revealed that the Defence Headquarters has been reviewing several requests from the theatre and has consequently approved the establishment of modular earth observation centres across all theatres of operation. He emphasized that his visit was undertaken at the directive of DHQ to pinpoint areas requiring intervention and additional support, particularly within OPHK.
Reiterating the vital role of joint communication in modern warfare, the CDC said his vision is to fully actualize seamless joint communication across the services. “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. He called for sustained synergy among all components of OPHK and assured the theatre of continued support from DHQ. He further commended the Theatre Commander, officers, and men of OPHK for their dedication and unwavering commitment to securing the North East and the nation.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the CDC’s visit and praised Major General Agbebaku for his passion, patriotism, and commitment to strengthening national security through improved communication systems. Highlighting the centrality of communication in warfare, he remarked, “If you haven’t got communication, you haven’t got anything.” He added that the provision of additional communication assets would significantly enhance operational efficiency in the theatre.
Among those in attendance 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 OPHK.
