By Nkechi Eze
A delegation from the Nigerian Army Headquarters Department of Operations has visited the North-East theatre of operations to assess operational effectiveness and review ongoing counter-terrorism activities under Operation Hadin Kai.
The assessment visit, which took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, was held at the Headquarters Theatre Command Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai located at Maimalari Military Cantonment.
The delegation from the Army Headquarters Department of Operations (AHQ DAOPS) was received by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the visit forms part of the Army Headquarters’ ongoing efforts to periodically evaluate operational activities across various theatres and strengthen the effectiveness of military operations nationwide.
During the visit, the delegation received a comprehensive operational briefing on activities within the theatre, highlighting ongoing counter-terrorism operations, recent operational gains, and the challenges faced by troops in the region.
Speaking during the engagement, the team leader, Colonel Olubukola Olusanya, commended the theatre command for delivering what he described as a detailed and insightful briefing that reflected the progress and successes recorded in the theatre of Operation Hadin Kai.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to critically assess operational activities in the theatre and identify areas requiring urgent attention, noting that periodic assessment visits by the Army Headquarters Department of Operations are designed to promote continuous improvement through timely recommendations and strategic interventions.
Colonel Olusanya further assured the Theatre Commander and members of the command’s management team that the visiting delegation would conduct a comprehensive and objective evaluation of activities in the theatre and provide feedback that would help enhance operational efficiency not only in the North-East but also across other theatres of operation.
In his remarks, Major General Abubakar highlighted the significance of such evaluation missions in identifying operational gaps and strengthening the overall counter-terrorism campaign.
He encouraged the delegation to carry out a thorough and objective assessment and to offer actionable recommendations that would further improve operational effectiveness within Operation Hadin Kai and other theatres across the country.
The theatre commander emphasised that the command places high value on assessments conducted by teams from outside the theatre, noting that such engagements provide valuable perspectives for strengthening ongoing military operations.
Providing an update on recent operational achievements, Major General Abubakar disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had recently neutralised more than 300 terrorists during the decisive phase of ongoing dry season operations.
According to him, the successful operations were conducted across several key terrorist enclaves, including the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, and Mallamfatori.
He noted that the operational successes had significantly boosted the morale of troops engaged in the counter-terrorism campaign, attributing the achievements to improved logistics support, efficient administrative coordination, and the implementation of the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
The theatre commander also explained that the operational reward and sanction system within the command had strengthened discipline among troops and encouraged them to adopt proactive and innovative strategies in confronting terrorist elements across the region.
The visit concluded with an interactive session between the delegation and members of the theatre command, followed by the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the engagement.
