The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has called on retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion to sustain their collaboration with security agencies by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during separate courtesy visits by the leadership of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMANAF) and the Nigerian Legion, Borno State Chapter, to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Theatre Commander congratulated the newly elected executives of both associations and commended their unwavering commitment to national security and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Major General Abubakar acknowledged the significant contributions of military veterans to the successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI, noting that the evolving nature of the insurgency requires sustained intelligence sharing, stronger civil-military cooperation and seamless communication to deny terrorists freedom of action, disrupt their logistics networks and enhance operational effectiveness.
He described REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion as custodians of the Armed Forces’ rich heritage and institutional memory, urging members to leverage their vast operational experience, professional expertise and community networks in support of military operations.
According to him, intelligence supplied by veterans can significantly improve operational planning and decision-making, while assuring them of the Theatre Command’s continued collaboration and commitment to addressing their legitimate welfare concerns.
The Theatre Commander also reaffirmed Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in its efforts to restore lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East. He stressed that strengthening partnerships with veterans and other key stakeholders remains vital to consolidating the gains already recorded in the theatre.
Earlier, the Chairmen of REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion, Major Tijani Mohammed (Rtd) and Lieutenant Commander Bukar Kyari (Rtd), congratulated Major General Abubakar on his appointment and praised his leadership.
They noted that the improving security situation in Borno State and the wider North-East reflects the dedication, resilience and professionalism of Operation HADIN KAI troops.
The veteran leaders said their visit was aimed at formally introducing their organisations, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the mission of Operation HADIN KAI and strengthening existing collaboration through intelligence sharing, community engagement and other lawful initiatives that complement military operations.
They also appealed for increased attention to the welfare of retired servicemen, widows, orphans and persons living with disabilities within their associations, expressing confidence that closer collaboration with the military would further enhance support for veterans while reinforcing the enduring bond between serving and retired personnel.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph. Also present were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olushola Akinboyewa, Principal Staff Officers and other senior officers of Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI.
