COAS Storms Maiduguri, Vows to ‘Annihilate’ North East Insurgency on Maiden Operational Tour

In a powerful demonstration of renewed strategic resolve, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, today embarked on his maiden operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Theatre in Maiduguri, Borno State. 

According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lt. Col Appolonia Anele, the visit, aligning with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, underscores the Nigerian Army’s invigorated drive to consolidate recent gains in counterterrorism operations. 
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the soldiers to sustain relentless pressure on the remnants of insurgents until total victory is achieved.

He stressed the imperative of decisively dealing with the terrorists to ensure socio-economic recovery and the return of normalcy across the North East.
“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,” the COAS averred.

The Army Chief was on the ground to assess the operational readiness of formations and units. He reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to providing the necessary platforms, logistics, and welfare incentives to boost troop morale and combat efficiency.

General Shaibu pledged to uphold the “Soldier-First” concept of his predecessor, emphasizing that troop welfare remains a top priority. He also highlighted the importance of fairness, justice, professionalism, and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to mission-critical assignments. 



Later in the day, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR. General Shaibu solicited continued prayers, intelligence support, and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement military efforts, assuring the royal father of the Army’s resolve to restore enduring peace. 

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during recent flooding incidents.

He lauded the progress made, noting that no single Local Government Area in the state is presently under the control of terrorist elements. The monarch pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing.