The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for continued public support, timely intelligence sharing and close cooperation between the military and civilian authorities to defeat terrorism and secure lasting peace in the North-East.
He made the call on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at Government House in Maiduguri. The visit was part of his tour of the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI.
General Shaibu commended the governor and the people of Borno for supporting troops conducting counter-terrorism operations. He said their contributions had helped sustain military operations and build on security gains across the state.
He also acknowledged the state government’s support for logistics, operational equipment and troop welfare, as well as its assistance to the families of fallen soldiers. He said the support had boosted troop morale and effectiveness.
The COAS said military operations alone could not defeat terrorism. He urged residents to maintain trust and cooperation with security agencies and to share credible intelligence to help locate terrorist hideouts, disrupt criminal networks and prevent attacks.
He assured residents that the Nigerian Army remained committed to protecting lives and property, helping displaced people return safely and restoring normal life in affected communities.
General Shaibu said the Army would continue to work with the Borno State Government, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to build on operational gains and achieve lasting peace.
Governor Zulum praised the COAS’s leadership and commended the Theatre Commander, sector commanders, officers and soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI for their sacrifices, resilience and professionalism.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting military operations, saying security was essential to economic recovery, humanitarian assistance and development.
The governor also called for stronger cooperation between the military and civilians to address continuing security and humanitarian challenges, including the safe return of internally displaced people and the rebuilding of communities affected by insurgency.
