The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday conducted his first operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) theatre in Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit, directed by President Bola Tinubu, aimed to review counterterrorism strategies and intensify operations against insurgents in the region.
At the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lt Gen Shaibu charged troops to maintain relentless pressure on remaining insurgent elements until total victory is achieved. He stressed that defeating insurgents decisively is crucial to restoring stability and enabling socio-economic recovery across the North-East.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned,” he said. “We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.”
During the visit, the COAS assessed operational readiness, inspected combat platforms, and met with frontline troops in Bama and surrounding sectors. He also commissioned the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment and visited wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Military Hospital.
Lt Gen Shaibu paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, seeking continued prayers, citizen cooperation, and intelligence support to complement military operations. The traditional ruler commended the Army’s sacrifices, humanitarian efforts during recent flooding, and pledged ongoing support through credible intelligence sharing.
The visit underscored the Army’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in Borno State and the wider North-East corridor.
