In a decisive move to reinforce Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, embarked on his maiden operational tour of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to consolidate on the Nigerian Army’s recent operational gains and completely neutralize terrorist elements threatening peace in the region.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, General Shaibu commended their resilience and sacrifices, urging them to maintain relentless pressure on insurgents until total victory is achieved. He emphasized the importance of decisive action to restore peace and enable socio-economic recovery across the North East.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned. We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, focus, and dedication to end this menace once and for all,” the COAS declared.
General Shaibu used the visit to assess the operational readiness of frontline units and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing troop morale through improved welfare, logistics, and combat support. He also promised to uphold the “Soldier-First” policy of his predecessor, stressing professionalism, fairness, and the strategic deployment of capable officers to critical assignments.
As part of his engagements, the Army Chief paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR. He sought continued prayers, community support, and intelligence sharing from traditional leaders and residents to strengthen ongoing military operations.
The Shehu of Borno lauded the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices, operational successes, and humanitarian interventions particularly during recent flooding incidents noting that all local government areas in the state are now free from terrorist control. He assured the Army of the emirate’s continued cooperation through credible intelligence and moral support.
Highlights of the COAS’s visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, groundbreaking for new Corporal and Below Quarters, inspection of combat platforms, and visits to wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital. The tour also covered frontline locations in Bama and other sectors of the theatre.
General Shaibu’s visit marks a renewed phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterterrorism strategy, underscoring his resolve to recalibrate operations and strengthen the force’s capacity to restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.
