By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to remain vigilant, shun complacency, and sustain an aggressive operational posture in the ongoing campaign against terrorism in the North East.
According to a statement by the Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the COAS gave the charge during an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri. The visit focused on assessing the security situation, strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing coordination, and deepening collaboration with security stakeholders to counter prevailing threats.
While addressing personnel, General Shaibu commended their courage and resilience in confronting terrorist elements, urging them to maintain maximum alertness and intensify pressure on the enemy to deny them freedom of action across the theatre. He stressed the importance of sustained aggressiveness and proactive operations to achieve decisive outcomes.
The COAS also held a strategic engagement with senior officers of the theatre command, where he emphasized close supervision, effective coordination, robust intelligence gathering, and improved operational synergy as essential factors in maintaining the successes recorded under Operation HADIN KAI.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the COAS on current operational activities, recent achievements, and existing challenges within the theatre.
As part of the visit, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, paid a courtesy call on the COAS. Governor Zulum congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, describing it as well deserved. He noted that General Shaibu’s extensive operational experience in the North East has significantly contributed to the remarkable reduction of insurgency in the region.
Governor Zulum expressed confidence that the COAS would consolidate ongoing efforts to neutralize the remnants of insurgents and restore lasting peace to Borno State and the wider region. He reaffirmed the continued commitment of the state government and the people of Borno to supporting the Nigerian Military and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of peace and stability.
While acknowledging the notable gains recorded by OPHK troops, the Governor urged them to remain undeterred by isolated security incidents and to stay focused on the mission.
Responding, Lieutenant General Shaibu thanked Governor Zulum for the visit and commended the sustained partnership between the Borno State Government and Operation HADIN KAI. He assured the Governor that the Nigerian Army will continue to intensify its operations to restore enduring peace and normalcy to Borno State and the entire North East.
The COAS was accompanied on the visit by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters.
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