By Nkechi Eze
In a renewed push to strengthen operational effectiveness and consolidate stability in Nigeria’s North-East, the Commander Corps of Artillery, Major General John Adeyemo, on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, paid an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
The visit, according to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, was part of ongoing efforts to reinforce counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in line with the vision and command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Speaking during the engagement, Major General Adeyemo explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to conduct an in-depth operational assessment and evaluation of Artillery Corps resources deployed within the theatre. He noted that the tour also provided an opportunity for an on-the-spot evaluation of artillery platforms supporting Operation HADIN KAI, as well as direct interaction with key operational stakeholders responsible for executing critical aspects of the campaign.
“I am here to walk the talk,” the Commander Corps of Artillery stated, emphasising that artillery platforms remain indispensable assets for delivering sustained, coordinated and effective firepower in ongoing operations. While conveying the Chief of Army Staff’s special season’s greetings to officers and troops of OPHK, Major General Adeyemo reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Corps of Artillery to continuously support the theatre’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
The CCA commended the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for what he described as a professional, innovative and adaptive approach to addressing the complex security challenges confronting the North-East. He also applauded the high level of synergy and cohesiveness among the various components within the theatre, noting that such unity of effort has been central to recent operational successes. Praising the courage and resilience of troops, Major General Adeyemo described personnel of OPHK as “warriors and gallant soldiers” and assured them of the Corps’ sustained support in meeting present and future operational demands.
Earlier in his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to the Commander Corps of Artillery for the foresight, commitment and personal sacrifice involved in undertaking the visit during the festive season. He described artillery as a critical pillar of the Nigerian Army’s combat power, stressing that its contributions to ongoing operations in the theatre cannot be overstated.
Major General Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to ensuring that all critical combat enablers, particularly artillery platforms, are optimally deployed and effectively utilised to sustain operational momentum. He expressed confidence that challenges identified during the assessment would receive prompt attention from the Corps of Artillery under the capable leadership of Major General Adeyemo, thereby further enhancing coordination and overall operational success.
During the visit, the Commander Corps of Artillery received detailed operational briefings on the activities of OPHK, with particular emphasis on achievements recorded and challenges encountered across the theatre. Describing the briefings as comprehensive and insightful, Major General Adeyemo assured that deliberate and targeted efforts would be made to address identified gaps in order to strengthen coordination and improve mission outcomes.
As part of the operational assessment tour, the CCA is also scheduled to inspect selected artillery platforms deployed within the theatre and commission ongoing projects aimed at boosting operational efficiency and troop welfare.
Highlights of the visit included extensive operational briefings, robust deliberations among senior officers, the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the engagement.
