DHQ Committee Visits OPHK, Seeks Doctrinal Inputs…As Telecom Firm Strengthens Partnership with Theatre Command

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Committee on the review of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s Joint Defence Doctrine has visited the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The four-man team, led by Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Isah, was at the Theatre Command on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, as part of a nationwide engagement to gather field inputs into the ongoing review of the doctrine.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the committee and described the review exercise as timely. He noted that interoperability and jointness have been central to the effectiveness of OPHK operations, stressing that the updated doctrine would further strengthen synergy within the Armed Forces.

In his remarks, AVM Isah explained that the Joint Defence Doctrine is reviewed every five years, and the current update was directed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (OFR). He said the committee has been visiting formations and units across the country to collate inputs for the review.

During the session, Brigadier General Nelson Okafor, Commander 57 Signals Brigade, made a presentation on behalf of the Theatre Command, highlighting doctrinal contributions from the OPHK theatre. The visit also featured interactive discussions and clarifications, after which the committee chairman expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander and his officers for their valuable contributions.

Earlier in the day, the Theatre Commander received a delegation from IHS Towers and Strength, a telecommunications infrastructure company licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The IHS team, led by retired Colonel Abdulkadir Ahmed, said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration with the Theatre Command, particularly in safeguarding critical national infrastructure across the North East. He explained that IHS supports telecom providers by maintaining masts, facilities, and fueling equipment—services which often require military protection due to the insecurity in the region. He also noted that the company has supported some military locations in the area as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Responding, Major General Abubakar commended IHS Towers for its sustained support to the Command and assured that OPHK would continue to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders. He reiterated that the protection of critical national assets remains a key mandate of the Joint Task Force, in line with the recent Presidential Order on safeguarding strategic infrastructure.