THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining military offensives against insurgents until they are completely denied support and safe havens.
During his maiden operational visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, Borno State, General Shaibu urged troops to redouble their efforts in eliminating the remaining terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace to the North-East.
His directive was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele.
“The Nigerian Army under my leadership will prosecute this fight with renewed vigor, unwavering focus, and total dedication to bringing an end to terrorism,” Shaibu declared, emphasizing the need to maintain relentless pressure on the insurgents until victory is achieved.
The visit, according to the statement, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains in ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
While in Maiduguri, the Army Chief paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Abubakar Elkanemi, seeking continued prayers, intelligence cooperation, and public support to aid military operations.
The monarch commended the Army for its bravery, humanitarian interventions, and consistent efforts in restoring peace across the state.
He commended the soldiers’ sacrifices and noted that no local government area in Borno remains under terrorist control, pledging further collaboration through intelligence sharing and moral support.
Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, the commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, the groundbreaking of new family housing units for soldiers, inspection of combat platforms, and visits to wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and frontline troops stationed in Bama and nearby sectors.