By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Christoper Musa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, yesterday conducted an operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), commending troops for their dedication and reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism in the region.
In an official signed statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the visit was described as a key engagement aimed at appraising ongoing operations, boosting troop morale, and reinforcing government support for the fight against insurgency.
The Ministers commenced the visit with a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, expressing gratitude for the monarch’s support to the Armed Forces and acknowledging the resilience of the local communities. They subsequently visited the Borno State Government House, where the Deputy Governor conveyed the appreciation of the state government and pledged continued cooperation with the military.
Honouring fallen soldiers, the Ministers laid wreaths at the Military Cemetery in Maiduguri, paying solemn tribute to troops who gave their lives defending the nation. At Headquarters OPHK, they received a comprehensive operational briefing from the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who reported the neutralisation of over 280 terrorist elements during the Ramadan period, disruption of insurgents’ logistics networks, and rescue of abducted civilians, alongside future operational projections.
The Ministers also inspected the newly constructed Military Command and Control Centre and commissioned family accommodation units for troops, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and troop welfare.
Addressing personnel, the Ministers conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their courage and steadfastness, urging them to sustain operational momentum and continue denying terrorists freedom of action across the Theatre.
The statement concluded that Operation HADIN KAI remains fully committed to coordinated land and air operations, consolidating gains, and working with relevant stakeholders to achieve the total defeat of terrorism and lasting peace in Nigeria’s North East.
