The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed his resolve to deal decisively with remnants of all terrorist groups causing menance in the North East region. He made this known during his maiden operational assessment visit to Headquarters Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) from 6 - 7 November 2025, in Maiduguri.
Addressing officers and men of the Theatre, the COAS commended their resilience, courage, and commitment in sustaining pressure against the insurgents. He lauded the impressive efforts of the Theatre Command Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI for adopting new innovations as game-changers in the ongoing counterinsurgency efforts. He also urged the troops to put more effort in ensuring security and stability in the North East Region. The COAS also made a pronouncement on his plans to improve on the motivation, welfare and sound administration of the troops in OPHK theatre of operation as well as other theatres of operations accross the country, as they are critical elements of achieving operational effectiveness and succeses.
General Shaibu further reiterated his commitment to providing the Nigerian Army with critical capabilities and logistics to decisively degrade the insurgents and restore lasting peace to the region.
As part of his visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, at his palace.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists, assuring that no effort will be spared in denying the adversaries sanctuary or support. He thanked the traditional institutions and people of Borno State for their steadfast support and intelligence cooperation, which he said remain vital to operational success.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno congratulated the COAS on his appointment and described him as a dependable partner of the state. He praised the Army’s contributions during humanitarian crises, including the 2024 flood disaster, and pledged the continued support of traditional institutions to the military and other security agencies.
During the visit, the COAS commissioned several welfare projects within Maimalari Cantonment, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 30 one-bedroom flats for corporals and below, as well as the OPHK Heroes Transit Accommodation — all conceived under the “Soldier First Concept" to enhance troops' welfare.
Highlights of the visit included inspection of the quarter guard, operational briefings, interactive sessions with senior officers, presentation of souvenirs, visit to the hospital to spend time with wounded colleagues, and critical combat enablers inspection.
The COAS was accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Sector and Component Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command Joint Task Force
North East Operation HADIN KAI and 7 Division Nigerian Army.