The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has pledged that the Nigerian Army will continue its relentless offensive operations until insurgents are completely cut off from all sources of support and denied any form of refuge.
Shaibu made the declaration during his maiden operational visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where he met with troops and commanders engaged in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the army chief urged personnel to sustain their momentum in order to crush the last remaining elements of insurgent groups and restore lasting peace to the region.
He commended their courage and sacrifice, assuring them that the Nigerian Army would continue to give full support to ensure total victory. “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 said.
The COAS explained that his visit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate recent gains made in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing troops’ welfare, logistics, and overall combat efficiency, noting that “fairness, professionalism, and competence” will guide every deployment under his leadership.
While in Borno State, Shaibu paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, who commended the army’s gallantry and humanitarian outreach. The monarch noted that all local government areas in the state were now free from terrorist control, pledging continued cooperation through intelligence sharing and prayers for the military’s success.
During the visit, the army chief inaugurated the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, laid the foundation for new soldiers’ quarters, received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, and visited wounded personnel receiving treatment at the 7 Division Military Hospital.
Shaibu also toured several frontline locations, including Bama and adjoining sectors, where he reaffirmed his resolve to recalibrate operational strategies and further boost the morale of soldiers on the battlefield.
His visit marks a renewed phase in the Nigerian Army’s drive to completely dismantle insurgent networks and secure enduring peace across the North-East.
