The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army fighting in the North East to mount and sustain unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram and other terrorist groups until they are completely defeated.
Security observers described the COAS’s directive as a bold demonstration of the Army’s renewed strategic resolve to end insurgency and restore lasting peace to the region.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, in line with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement by the Army Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed drive to consolidate the gains made in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards the total annihilation of terrorist elements in the North East.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, General Shaibu urged them to remain focused and maintain relentless operational pressure on the remnants of insurgents until total victory is achieved. He emphasized the need to decisively defeat the terrorists to enable the return of peace and create an environment conducive for socio-economic recovery and development across the region.
The Army Chief, who was on ground to assess the operational readiness of formations and units under OPHK, reaffirmed his commitment to providing the necessary platforms, logistics, and welfare support to enhance troop morale and combat efficiency. He pledged to uphold and strengthen the “Soldier-First” concept of his predecessor, ensuring that troop welfare remains a top priority.
“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 declared.
During the visit, General Shaibu also paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR, where he sought continued prayers, intelligence support, and cooperation from traditional institutions and residents to complement ongoing military operations.
He assured the royal father of the Army’s readiness and resolve to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.
In his response, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during recent flooding incidents. He praised the Army’s role in reclaiming all Local Government Areas previously under terrorist control and pledged continued intelligence and moral support towards the complete defeat of insurgency.
During the visit, the COAS received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioned the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 4×30-family Corporal and Below Quarters.
He also inspected combat platforms, visited wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and Services, and interacted with frontline troops deployed in Bama and adjoining sectors.
The visit, according to military sources, marks a new phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterinsurgency operations, reflecting the COAS’s determination to recalibrate operational strategies, strengthen combat effectiveness, and consolidate ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the North East.
, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army fighting in the North East to mount and sustain unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram and other terrorist groups until they are completely defeated.){kind=link}