The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended the Borno State Government for its sustained support for military operations, while urging residents to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies to defeat terrorism in the North-East.
Shaibu made the call on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House, Maiduguri, as part of his operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief praised the governor and the people of Borno State for their unwavering support for troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
He particularly acknowledged the state government’s interventions in logistics, provision of operational enablers, troop welfare and assistance to families of fallen soldiers, noting that the contributions had helped boost troops’ morale and operational effectiveness.
The COAS stressed that defeating terrorism required more than military operations, emphasising that public trust, community cooperation and timely provision of credible intelligence were essential to identifying terrorist hideouts, disrupting criminal networks and preventing attacks.
He therefore urged residents to sustain their collaboration with security agencies by providing useful information that could support ongoing operations and help prevent security threats.
Shaibu assured residents of the Nigerian Army’s determination to protect lives and property, facilitate the safe return of displaced persons and support the restoration of normalcy in communities affected by insurgency.
He also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Borno State Government, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to consolidate operational gains and achieve lasting peace in the region.
Responding, Governor Zulum commended the COAS for his leadership and acknowledged the sacrifices, resilience and professionalism of the Theatre Commander, Sector Commanders, officers and soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for military operations, stressing that security remained fundamental to economic recovery, humanitarian interventions and sustainable development.
Zulum also called for stronger military-civilian collaboration to address persistent security and humanitarian challenges, particularly the safe resettlement of internally displaced persons and the rebuilding of communities affected by insurgency.
