The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has called on retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion to strengthen their collaboration with security agencies by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence to support ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Theatre Commander made the appeal while receiving separate courtesy visits from the leadership of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMANAF) and the Nigerian Legion, Borno State Chapter, at the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.
Major General Abubakar congratulated the newly elected executives of both associations and commended their unwavering commitment to national security and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He acknowledged the significant contributions of military veterans to the operational successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI, stressing that the asymmetric nature of the conflict requires sustained intelligence sharing, effective civil-military cooperation and seamless communication to deny terrorists freedom of action, disrupt their logistics networks and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing military operations.
The Theatre Commander described REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion as custodians of the Armed Forces’ rich heritage and institutional memory, urging members to leverage their professional expertise, operational experience and extensive community networks to provide information that would support operational planning and decision-making. He assured the veterans of the Theatre Command’s continued collaboration and support, adding that their sacrifices and selfless service remain highly valued, while their legitimate welfare concerns would continue to receive appropriate attention.
He also reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in executing its mandate to restore lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East, noting that stronger partnerships with veterans and other critical stakeholders remain vital to consolidating the gains achieved in the theatre.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegations, the Chairmen of REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion, Major Tijani Mohammed (Rtd) and Lieutenant Commander Bukar Kyari (Rtd), congratulated Major General Abubakar on his appointment and praised his leadership. They attributed the improving security situation across Borno State and the wider North-East to the commitment, resilience and professionalism of Operation HADIN KAI troops.
The veteran leaders explained that the visits were aimed at formally introducing their organisations, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the mission of Operation HADIN KAI and strengthening collaboration through intelligence sharing, community engagement and other lawful initiatives that complement military operations. They also appealed for greater attention to the welfare of retired servicemen, widows, orphans and persons living with disabilities within their associations.
The visits concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph. Also in attendance were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olushola Akinboyewa, Principal Staff Officers and other senior officers of Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI.
