By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to joint military operations aimed at ending terrorism in the North East, during a visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East),
Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday, 1 January 2026.Addressing troops during the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas conveyed New Year greetings and commended personnel for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in the defence of the nation. He also relayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for the operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces in curbing terrorist activities, urging the troops to sustain the momentum and remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.
The Naval Chief underscored the importance of jointness among the Armed Forces, noting that effective collaboration enhances operational efficiency, enables rapid response to threats and strengthens national security. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to maintain a strong presence on the Lake Chad waterways in support of peace, security and the restoration of economic activities in the region.
Vice Admiral Abbas further highlighted progress made in reopening key waterways, which has allowed fishermen, farmers, traders and transport operators to resume their livelihoods. He stressed that sustained naval operations, in close coordination with other services, remain critical to securing the waterways and supporting local communities.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the CNS and briefed him on ongoing operations, acknowledging the vital contributions of the Nigerian Navy in achieving maritime dominance across the Lake Chad Islands.As part of the operational tour, the CNS conducted on-the-spot assessments of naval facilities at the Naval Base Annex along Monguno Road and the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga, where he interacted with troops at Fish Dam and undertook a riverine patrol of the Lake Chad waterways. The visit concluded with a New Year luncheon with personnel. Vice Admiral Abbas also paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who commended the Navy’s efforts and called for intensified operations to sustain peace and stability in the region.
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