By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, to intensify the offensive against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, assuring them of improved welfare and enhanced operational support.
Shaibu gave the directive on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while addressing officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State, during an operational assessment visit to the North-East theatre.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the COAS commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and sustained offensive operations, which he said had significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security across the region.
He urged the personnel to consolidate the gains recorded, maintain operational vigilance and sustain pressure on terrorist elements until they are decisively defeated.
The Army Chief emphasised that discipline, resilience, combat readiness and professionalism remained essential to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, noting that the nation was counting on the troops to restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East.
“You must remain disciplined, resilient and focused. The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism,” Shaibu charged.
Reaffirming his Soldier First philosophy, the COAS assured the troops that their welfare would remain a priority, with sustained attention to the provision of modern combat equipment, improved accommodation, adequate medical support and timely troop rotation.
He said the measures were aimed at strengthening morale, improving operational effectiveness and ensuring that personnel deployed to the frontline had the necessary support to discharge their responsibilities.
Earlier, Shaibu received an operational briefing from the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and sector commanders on the security situation, operational successes, emerging challenges and strategies for sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the theatre.
The briefing also provided an assessment of ongoing operations and the measures being adopted to address emerging threats while consolidating security gains in the region.
During the visit, the COAS interacted with wounded soldiers, commending them for their courage and sacrifices in defence of the country. He assured the injured personnel of continued medical attention, rehabilitation and institutional support.
The visit forms part of the Army Chief’s efforts to strengthen frontline leadership, sustain operational momentum and improve troop welfare as the Nigerian Army continues its counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East.
