By Bavoriat Clara
The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Nigerian Army, Major General Shamsudeen Shafaru, has commended troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) for their resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Major General Shafaru gave the commendation during a five-day operational assessment visit to the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI, which commenced on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The visit covered the Headquarters Theatre Command, as well as sectors, components, formations and units across the theatre.
Speaking at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI on Thursday, 29 January 2026, the CCE explained that the visit was aimed at assessing the operational effectiveness of Nigerian Army Engineers (NAE) personnel deployed in the theatre and identifying measures to enhance their operational capacity.
He praised the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and troops of OPHK for their dedication, courage and selfless service despite the harsh terrain and psychological demands associated with asymmetric warfare. The CCE particularly acknowledged the critical contributions of Nigerian Army Engineers to the operational successes recorded by OPHK.
Major General Shafaru noted that the visit was guided by the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He stated that OPHK was among the first theatres he visited upon assumption of office, in view of the strategic importance of the North East and the need to further strengthen engineer support in the region and across the country.
The CCE assured troops of sustained emphasis on training and capacity development, while pledging the provision of modern engineering platforms and equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and support ongoing efforts to rid the North East of terrorism.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the CCE for the visit, describing it as timely and strategic in view of evolving security threats in the theatre. He highlighted the indispensable role of Nigerian Army Engineers in mitigating these threats and assured the CCE of the safety and welfare of engineer personnel deployed in the operation. He also appealed for sustained support through the provision of additional enablers to enhance mission success.
The visit featured detailed operational briefings at the Headquarters Theatre Command, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs and guided tours of selected sectors and formations within the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI.
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