By Nkechi Eze
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian military to intensify ongoing operations with the objective of decisively ending insurgency and restoring enduring peace across the North-East region.
Major General Abubakar gave the assurance on Saturday, January 24, 2026, while speaking at the Combined West African Social Activity (WASA) 2025, co-hosted by Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division, Nigerian Army, at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed in an official statement that the Theatre Commander described WASA as a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army designed to preserve its ethics, customs and heritage through social interaction among troops, their families and well-wishers, while also marking the conclusion of activities for the year 2025.
According to him, the event provided an opportunity for reflection on the operational engagements of the Command over the past year and a moment to appreciate the collective sacrifices of personnel in the theatre.
“The event offers us the opportunity to reflect on our operational engagements over the past year,” Major General Abubakar said.
He noted that significant progress had been recorded in the effort to restore law and order across the North-East, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, stressing that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in many communities was a direct outcome of the commitment, resilience and sacrifice of troops operating in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
The Theatre Commander expressed profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and the Service Chiefs for their strategic direction, improved logistics support and enhanced welfare packages for personnel.
He assured that Operation HADIN KAI would continue to double its efforts to decimate the remnants of terrorist elements in Borno State and other parts of the North-East region, while sustaining the momentum in ongoing offensive and stabilisation operations.
In his remarks, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Bukar Tijjani, commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.
He assured that the Borno State Government and the people of the state would continue to support Operation HADIN KAI in its quest to achieve lasting peace, while pledging sustained collaboration with the Theatre Command.
The governor also commiserated with the families of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the line of duty and prayed for the speedy recovery of wounded personnel, describing them as patriotic Nigerians who sacrificed their lives and wellbeing for the sovereignty and unity of the nation.
Earlier, in a vote of thanks, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, expressed gratitude to the Borno State Government for its unwavering support and strong sense of ownership of security efforts within the state.
He also thanked the Theatre Commander for his exemplary leadership and guidance, as well as the Chairman of the Organising Committee, heads of sister security agencies and other critical stakeholders for their collective contributions to peace, security and stability in the joint operational environment.
The Combined WASA 2025 featured colourful cultural displays representing Nigeria’s various geopolitical zones, a tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, comedy performances, award presentations to outstanding soldiers of the year, a suya competition, presentation of souvenirs to special guests, the beating of the retreat and the symbolic lighting of the bonfire, which climaxed the ceremony.
The event underscored the strong bond among troops, their families and the host community, while reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s enduring traditions and its steadfast commitment to defeating insurgency and securing the North-East region.
