Army Chief Visits North East Theatre, Urges Troops To Deal Decisive Blow To Terrorists
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on troops of Operation HADIN KAI to intensify their campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, assuring them of improved welfare and continued institutional support.
The Army Chief made the call on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during an operational assessment visit to the North East theatre, where he addressed officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He praised the troops for their determination, sacrifices and sustained offensive operations, which he said had significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorist groups and helped improve security across the region.
Shaibu urged the soldiers to maintain the pressure on terrorist elements and consolidate the gains achieved through ongoing military operations.
He emphasised that discipline, resilience, professionalism and combat readiness were critical to the success of the counter-terrorism campaign, urging the personnel to remain committed to their responsibility of restoring peace and stability to the North East.
Reiterating his Soldier First philosophy, the COAS assured the troops that their welfare remained a priority for the Nigerian Army leadership.
He identified the provision of modern combat equipment, improved accommodation, adequate medical support and timely rotation of troops as key areas of continued attention to boost morale and enhance operational effectiveness.
“The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism,” Shaibu told the troops, urging them to remain focused and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.
As part of the visit, the Army Chief received a detailed briefing from Major General Ibikunle Ajose, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside sector commanders.
The briefing provided updates on the security situation, achievements recorded by the troops, operational challenges and measures being adopted to sustain military pressure on terrorist groups.
Shaibu also visited wounded soldiers, where he acknowledged their sacrifices and courage in the defence of the nation.
He assured them that the Army would continue to provide medical care, rehabilitation and other necessary institutional support.
The visit forms part of the COAS’s efforts to assess operational performance, strengthen frontline leadership and ensure that troops remain adequately equipped, motivated and prepared to confront security threats in the North East.
The Nigerian Army continues to sustain operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting communities and consolidating the gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
