By Bavoriat Clara
The Honourable Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, conducted an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit was aimed at appraising ongoing military operations, providing strategic direction, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, and engaging critical stakeholders within the theatre of operations.
The ministers commenced the visit with a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, where they expressed appreciation for his sustained support to the Armed Forces and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. They also commended the resilience of the people of the North East and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s continued support to the region.
At the Borno State Government House, the delegation was received by the Deputy Governor, Honourable Umar Usman Kadafur, on behalf of the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. The Deputy Governor conveyed the appreciation of the government and people of the state for the sacrifices of troops and the Federal Government’s support, while the ministers reiterated their commitment to sustaining military operations and strengthening collaboration to enhance security.
In honour of fallen heroes, the ministers visited the Military Cemetery in Maiduguri, where they laid wreaths and paid tribute to gallant troops who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, underscoring the country’s enduring gratitude and commitment to their legacy.
At the Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, presented a comprehensive operational briefing, highlighting key achievements including the neutralisation of over 280 terrorist elements during the Ramadan period, disruption of logistics networks, and rescue of abducted civilians. He assured the ministers of the high morale, resilience, and unwavering commitment of troops to decisively defeat terrorism in the North East.
Addressing journalists, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their professionalism, resilience, and operational successes, noting that the progress recorded reflects improved coordination and sustained offensive operations.
He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
The ministers also inspected the newly constructed Military Command and Control Centre designed to enhance operational coordination, intelligence fusion, and real-time decision-making. In addition, they commissioned newly constructed family accommodation for troops, initiated and funded by the Honourable Minister of Defence, as part of efforts to improve personnel welfare and boost morale.
The visit concluded with an address to troops, where the ministers conveyed the appreciation of the President for their sacrifices, courage, and dedication to duty. They charged the troops to sustain the current operational momentum and remain resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action across the theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI continues to sustain coordinated land and air operations in synergy with relevant stakeholders, with the objective of consolidating gains and achieving the total defeat of terrorism, as well as restoring enduring peace and stability in the North East region.
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