By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the determination of the Nigerian Army to decisively defeat security threats confronting the nation, assuring that ongoing operational adjustments will strengthen the military’s response to evolving challenges.
General Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday during an operational visit to Yobe State, where he conducted a battlefield assessment and interacted with troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in Damaturu.
The Army Chief was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport by the state governor, Mai Mala Buni. The visit, according to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, was aimed at boosting the morale of troops and assessing the current security situation in the North-East theatre of operations.
Speaking during the visit, the COAS acknowledged that troops had recently faced operational challenges, including attacks on military positions. However, he maintained that the Nigerian Army remains resolute and undeterred in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
He explained that the Army is already implementing adjustments in its operational strategies to respond more effectively to emerging threats while sustaining gains recorded in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
According to him, despite the evolving nature of security challenges across the country, the Nigerian Army will continue to stand firm in confronting terrorism and other threats to national stability. He added that the Army is constantly reviewing and adapting its operational approaches to match changing security dynamics.
General Shaibu also called on state governments to continue providing necessary support to troops deployed on the frontline, noting that collaboration between civil authorities and the military is critical to achieving lasting operational success.
The Army Chief commended the government and people of Yobe State for their unwavering support to security agencies, describing the cooperation as a vital factor in sustaining the fight against insurgency in the region.
During the visit to the headquarters of Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI in Damaturu, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, accompanied by Ali Ndume, paid a condolence visit to the Chief of Army Staff and officers of the Nigerian Army over the loss of personnel during recent encounters with terrorists.
Governor Zulum expressed sympathy to the Army leadership and families of the fallen soldiers, while pledging that the Borno State Government would develop additional strategies to further support security agencies in addressing the dynamic nature of security threats.
General Shaibu later addressed troops of the Sector, charging them to remain aggressive, vigilant and relentless in their operations against terrorists. He urged them to honour the sacrifices of their fallen comrades by intensifying efforts to restore lasting peace and security to the North-East.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, who represented Governor Buni at the engagement, praised the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in restoring peace in many conflict-affected parts of the country. He noted that despite operational pressures, the Army has continued to demonstrate resilience, professionalism and commitment to duty.
The deputy governor also offered prayers for the fallen soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation, describing their sacrifice as a symbol of patriotism and national service.
