The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has paid his first operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Theatre, in Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit, which takes place on November 6, 2025, marks a major step in his renewed commitment to end insurgency and restore lasting peace in the North East region.
This visit follows the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has tasked the Nigerian Army to consolidate on the gains made in the fight against terrorism and ensure the total elimination of insurgent elements across the region.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, General Shaibu commends their courage and dedication in the ongoing counterterrorism operations. He urges them to maintain pressure on the remaining insurgents until total victory is achieved. The Army Chief stresses that defeating insurgency is key to restoring normalcy, rebuilding livelihoods, and driving socio-economic recovery across the North East.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the COAS also assesses the operational readiness of formations and units under Operation Hadin Kai. He reaffirms his commitment to providing modern platforms, logistics, and welfare support to boost troop morale and combat efficiency. General Shaibu assures soldiers that their welfare will remain his top priority under the “Soldier-First” policy, while emphasizing fairness, professionalism, and strategic deployment of capable personnel to mission-critical areas.
> “The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned. We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” he declares.
During his tour, the Army Chief also pays a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, where he calls for continued prayers, intelligence sharing, and community cooperation to support ongoing military operations.
In response, the Shehu of Borno praises the Nigerian Army for its bravery, humanitarian efforts, and role in ensuring that no Local Government Area in Borno remains under terrorist control. The monarch promises sustained support through intelligence and community engagement to help achieve total peace.
Mediaplusng.com reports that highlights of the visit include an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation, a groundbreaking ceremony for new soldiers’ quarters, inspection of combat platforms, and a morale-boosting visit to wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed determination to strengthen counterinsurgency efforts, enhance operational capacity, and restore enduring peace to the North East.
