NIGERIA: COAS Visits Maiduguri, Orders Troops To Crush Insurgents In North East

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, embarked on his maiden operational tour of the North East Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno State, with a firm directive to troops to annihilate the remnants of insurgents and restore lasting peace in the region.

The visit, which aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed determination to consolidate on the gains of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the North East.

Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged them to maintain unrelenting pressure on terrorists until complete victory is achieved.

He stressed the need for renewed aggression, discipline, and focus in dealing decisively with insurgents to ensure full restoration of peace and socio-economic activities in the region.

The COAS assured soldiers of the Army’s commitment to improving logistics, welfare, and operational support to enhance morale and combat effectiveness.

He reaffirmed his resolve to uphold fairness, professionalism, and justice in command decisions while prioritizing the welfare of personnel through the continuation of the “Soldier-First” initiative.

“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,” he stated.

During the visit, General Shaibu paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, where he solicited traditional institutions’ support through intelligence sharing and prayers for sustained peace.

The Shehu of Borno commended the Army’s courage, professionalism, and humanitarian efforts, noting that no local government area in the state remains under terrorist control.

He pledged continued cooperation with security forces in the collective fight against insurgency.

Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation, groundbreaking for new family quarters, inspection of combat platforms, and visits to wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital.

The visit marks a significant step in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing recalibration of counterinsurgency strategies aimed at restoring stability and strengthening national security in the North East.