By Olayemi Esan
As the sun blazed across the arid plains of Borno, the rhythmic hum of military activity echoed through Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri. Soldiers, their uniforms crisp and resolve steely, assembled to receive their new Commander — the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu — whose maiden operational visit to the North East carried both symbolism and substance.
With measured steps and a tone that blended authority and empathy, General Shaibu addressed the troops, charging them to “wipe out terrorists in the North East” and bring lasting peace to the region that has borne the brunt of insurgency for over a decade. His message was clear: the time for half measures was over.
A Renewed Mandate for Total Victory
The visit, according to Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to decisively end terrorism and restore normalcy in the region. It also marks the beginning of what many in the military circles describe as “a new phase of strategic recalibration.”
At the heart of Shaibu’s address was a call for relentless pursuit — a reaffirmation that the Nigerian Army would sustain pressure on the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents until they are completely neutralized.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned. We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu said
But beyond the rhetoric of war, the COAS also demonstrated a pragmatic understanding of the human dimension of soldiering. He pledged unwavering commitment to troop welfare, vowing to sustain the “Soldier-First” philosophy that ensures adequate logistics, improved living conditions, and fair deployment of personnel.
Beyond the Battlefield: Restoring Hope and Dignity
For residents of Borno, Shaibu’s visit was more than an operational tour — it was a statement of assurance. His courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, reaffirmed the Army’s partnership with traditional institutions in the quest for peace.
The Shehu, a long-standing moral voice in the region, commended the Army’s gallantry and sacrifices, particularly during humanitarian crises such as recent flooding incidents. He noted that no Local Government Area in Borno is currently under terrorist control — a testament to years of consistent military pressure and community cooperation.
“The humanitarian services rendered by the Army will never be forgotten by our people,” Shehu of Borno said.
He pledged continued collaboration through intelligence sharing and moral support — a crucial element in the fight where local trust often determines tactical success.
Reinforcing the Frontlines
General Shaibu’s visit also featured an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, inspection of combat platforms, and a stop at the 7 Division Military Hospital to visit wounded-in-action personnel — a gesture that visibly lifted morale among troops.
He also commissioned the new Heroes Transit Accommodation and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for new 4 x 30-family Corporal and Below quarters — a project aimed at improving living standards for rank-and-file soldiers.
These developments, military analysts note, signal the Army’s gradual shift from reactionary warfare to sustained stabilization and recovery.
A New Phase in the Counterinsurgency War
Since assuming office, Lt. Gen. Shaibu has emphasized professionalism, justice, and competence in operational conduct — key values he believes will define the Army’s next chapter. His strategy, insiders say, focuses on balancing aggressive counterterrorism operations with welfare-driven reforms and civil-military cooperation.
As he departed Maiduguri for the frontline areas of Bama and adjoining sectors, his message lingered: the war may not be over, but the spirit of victory is stronger than ever.
For soldiers at Maimalari Cantonment, and indeed for millions of Nigerians longing for peace, General Shaibu’s visit rekindles a vital hope — that the long, dark years of insurgency may finally be drawing to a close.