The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has intensified Nigeria’s military push against terrorism in the North East with a high-level operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, was aimed at strengthening coordination among the armed forces and sustaining recent gains recorded in the campaign against insurgents across the region. Addressing troops at the theatre headquarters, Vice Admiral Abbas conveyed New Year greetings and praised their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in the face of prolonged security challenges.
He also delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of appreciation to the troops, commending their role in degrading terrorist networks and restoring relative calm in troubled areas. The Naval Chief urged personnel to remain focused and disciplined, stressing that sustained pressure on terrorist groups remained critical to long-term stability.
Vice Admiral Abbas underscored the importance of joint operations, noting that effective collaboration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force enhances operational efficiency, speeds up response time, and strengthens national security. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to maintain a strong presence on the Lake Chad waterways, describing maritime control as vital to cutting off terrorist supply routes and securing border communities.
The Naval Chief highlighted ongoing efforts to revive economic activities in the region, pointing to the reopening of key waterways that had allowed fishermen, farmers, traders, and transport operators to return to their livelihoods. According to him, sustained naval patrols and close coordination with other security agencies are essential to protecting these gains and supporting local communities.
The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the Naval Chief and presented a detailed operational briefing on activities of the Joint Task Force. He praised the Nigerian Navy for its decisive role in the Lake Chad Islands, noting that maritime dominance had become a major factor in operational success and regional stability.
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As part of the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas conducted an on-the-spot assessment of naval facilities at the Naval Base Annex along Monguno Road before proceeding to the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga. At the Fish Dam area, he interacted with naval personnel and embarked on a riverine patrol of the Lake Chad waterways to personally assess the level of clearance achieved so far. The operational tour concluded with a New Year luncheon hosted by the Naval Chief for the troops.
The CNS also paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s support and pledged continued collaboration to secure the waterways and boost socio-economic development. Governor Zulum commended the Navy for its achievements in the region and called for sustained and intensified operations to preserve peace.
The visit attracted senior military and naval officers, including the Deputy Theatre Commander, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, component commanders, and other principal staff officers. It featured operational briefings, interactive engagements with troops, and ceremonial activities, reinforcing the commitment of the armed forces to restoring lasting security in the North East.
