The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Operation HADIN KAI to remain vigilant and sustain aggressive operations aimed at eliminating the remaining elements of terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Shaibu gave the directive during an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The visit was aimed at assessing the security situation in the theatre, evaluating operational effectiveness and strengthening strategic coordination among security stakeholders working to address the remaining threats in the region.
Addressing the troops, the Army Chief commended the gallantry, resilience and sacrifices demonstrated by personnel of the operation in protecting civilians and degrading terrorist elements across the theatre.
He urged them to remain steadfast, maintain maximum situational awareness and sustain the operational momentum already achieved.
The COAS also stressed the need for improved coordination among units, enhanced intelligence gathering and a stronger operational posture to consolidate the gains recorded in the counter-insurgency campaign.
Shaibu further directed troops to sustain offensive operations in order to deny terrorists freedom of action, particularly during the final phase of the Ramadan period and beyond.
According to him, the era of remaining in defensive positions was over, stressing that troops must continue to take the fight to the terrorists wherever they are found.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, presented a comprehensive operational briefing to the Army Chief on recent activities, achievements and existing challenges within the theatre.
Abubakar assured the COAS of the troops’ professionalism and commitment to the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the North-East.
He also noted that personnel remain resolute and undeterred despite isolated setbacks in some locations, adding that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high.
