The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain vigilant and sustain aggressive operations against terrorist elements operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
The Army Chief gave the directive during an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
During the visit, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, assured the COAS of the troops’ continued professionalism, commitment and patriotism in the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Theatre Commander noted that despite isolated setbacks in some locations, the morale and fighting efficiency of personnel remain high as troops continue operations across the theatre.
Maj. Gen. Abubakar also presented a comprehensive operational brief to the Army Chief, highlighting recent operational activities, achievements and the prevailing challenges being encountered in the theatre.
The operational visit, according to the Army, was aimed at assessing the security situation in the theatre, evaluating operational effectiveness, strengthening strategic alignment and enhancing collaboration with relevant security stakeholders to address remaining threats in the region.
Addressing troops during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu commended their gallantry, resilience and sacrifices in defending civilians and degrading terrorist elements across the theatre.
He urged personnel to remain steadfast, maintain maximum situational awareness and sustain the ongoing operational momentum in the fight against insurgency.
The COAS also emphasised the importance of effective coordination among units, robust intelligence gathering and improved operational posture to consolidate the gains already recorded in the counter-terrorism operations.
He further directed troops to sustain operational aggressiveness in order to deny terrorists freedom of action, particularly during the final phase of the Ramadan and beyond.
According to him, the era of remaining in defensive positions is over, stressing that troops must continue to take the fight directly to terrorist enclaves wherever they are found.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North-East while assuring troops of continued support to enable them effectively carry out their mandate.
