COAS Visits Borno, Urges Troops to Sustain Vigilance and Aggressive Posture Against Terrorists

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to maintain high levels of vigilance, avoid complacency, and sustain an aggressive operational posture in the fight against terrorism in the North East.

General Shaibu gave the directive during an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (JTF NE OPHK) in Maiduguri. The visit focused on reviewing the security situation, evaluating troop effectiveness, strengthening strategic coordination, and boosting collaboration with security partners across the region.

Addressing the troops, the COAS praised their courage and resilience in confronting insurgent elements and urged them to remain alert and proactive to counter emerging threats. He emphasized the need for continuous operational pressure to deny terrorists any opportunity to regroup or regain influence.

During his engagement with senior officers of the theatre command, General Shaibu highlighted the importance of close supervision, strong coordination, enhanced intelligence gathering, and improved operational readiness to sustain current security gains.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the COAS on recent achievements, ongoing operations, and challenges within the theatre.

As part of the visit, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, paid a courtesy call on General Shaibu. He congratulated him on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, describing it as well deserved given his long-standing contributions to military operations in the North East.

Governor Zulum expressed confidence that General Shaibu would build on ongoing efforts to eliminate remaining insurgent threats and ensure enduring peace and stability across the state and region. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Borno State Government to continued collaboration with the military and other security agencies.

While acknowledging the progress made by troops under Operation HADIN KAI, the Governor encouraged them to remain focused and undeterred by isolated security incidents, noting that continued determination was essential to fully restoring normalcy.

In his response, the COAS thanked the Governor for his support and commended the strong partnership between the state government and OPHK. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing security and achieving lasting peace in Borno State and the North East.