• Theatre Commander briefs COAS on gains and challenges; troops pledge resilience and high morale.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation HADIN KAI to sustain vigilance and maintain an aggressive posture as they clear remaining terrorist elements across the North East.
During an operational assessment at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East (Operation HADIN KAI) in Maiduguri on Saturday, 7 March, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu praised the gallantry, resilience and sacrifice of personnel who have defended civilians and degraded terrorist capabilities across the theatre. He urged troops to “remain steadfast, maintain maximum situational awareness and sustain the ongoing operational momentum.”
“The days of remaining in defensive positions are over,” the Army Chief declared, directing forces to take the fight to terrorists wherever they are found. He stressed the need for tighter unit coordination, enhanced intelligence gathering and a robust operational posture to consolidate recent successes — particularly through the final phase of Ramadan and beyond — to deny insurgents freedom of action.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East, delivered a comprehensive briefing on recent operations, achievements and persistent challenges. He assured the COAS of the troops’ professionalism, commitment and patriotism, noting that isolated setbacks have not dented morale or fighting efficiency.
The visit underscores the Army’s renewed push to transition from defensive containment to sustained offensive operations aimed at eliminating remnant terrorist networks and restoring lasting security in the region.
Issued by: Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI — 8 March 2026.
