The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has vowed that Nigerian troops will sustain aggressive operations until insurgents are completely neutralized and denied all forms of support and sanctuary across the Northeast.
Key Highlights:
- Army chief vows total war on insurgency; pledges troop welfare and logistics support; visits frontline soldiers in Borno; declares renewed energy in counterterrorism fight.
Shaibu made this declaration during his maiden operational tour of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit marks a major signal of renewed momentum in the Nigerian Army’s counterterrorism drive.
In a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS urged troops to intensify their offensive to crush the remaining insurgents and restore lasting peace to the region.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” Shaibu affirmed. He assured that the military would leave no stone unturned in the mission to eradicate terrorism and protect civilians in affected areas.
The Army Chief emphasized that his visit was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate the gains of the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving troops’ welfare, logistics, and combat readiness, promising that professionalism and fairness would guide every deployment decision.
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During the visit, Shaibu received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, inaugurated the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, and laid the foundation for new soldiers’ quarters. He also visited wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and frontline units in Bama and other sectors.
While paying a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, the monarch praised the army’s gallantry and humanitarian interventions, noting that no local government area in the state remained under terrorist control. He pledged continued cooperation through intelligence sharing and community support.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu’s tour highlights the Nigerian Army’s renewed focus on tactical recalibration, stronger coordination, and total elimination of terrorism. Analysts say the visit sends a clear message of resolve, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s fight for peace and stability in the Northeast.
