Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced that troops will continue their offensive actions until insurgents are denied all forms of support and sanctuary. This statement was made during his inaugural operational tour of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, in the North-East.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the COAS’s declaration was included in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele. Shaibu called on the troops to intensify their operations with the intent to crush the remaining insurgents and restore lasting peace to the North-East region. He urged the forces to maintain pressure on the terrorists until total victory is achieved, emphasizing that the Nigerian Army would leave no stone unturned in ending the insurgency.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu stated, “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.” His visit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate the gains made in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns.
During the visit, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops, logistics support, and combat readiness, stressing that fairness, professionalism, and competence would guide all deployments. He also paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, who praised the army’s gallantry and humanitarian efforts, highlighting that no local government area in the state was under terrorist control.
The traditional ruler promised continued support through intelligence sharing and prayers for the success of military operations. As part of his visit, the COAS received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, inaugurated the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, laid the foundation for new soldiers’ quarters, and visited wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital.
Additionally, Shaibu toured frontline locations in Bama and adjoining sectors, reiterating his commitment to recalibrating operational strategies and enhancing combat effectiveness. This visit signifies a renewed momentum in the Nigerian Army’s mission to eradicate terrorism completely and restore peace throughout the North-East.