Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has given troops of the Nigerian Army fighting in the North East the marching order to mount and sustain unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram terrorists until they are completely wiped out from the surface of the earth.
The charge by the Army Chief is a bold demonstration of renewed strategic resolve to end insurgency and restore lasting peace in the North East by the Army high command.
The charge was handed down by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), during his maiden operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State as directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement by the Army Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Apollonia Anele said the visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed drive to consolidate on the gains of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards the total annihilation of terrorist elements in the region.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged them to sustain unrelenting pressure on the remnants of insurgents until total victory is achieved.
He stressed that the importance of decisively defeating the terrorists to restore normalcy and create an enabling environment for socio-economic recovery and development across the North East.
COAS, who was on ground to assess the operational readiness of formations and units under OPHK, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to providing the necessary platforms, logistics, and welfare incentives to boost troop morale and combat efficiency. He pledged to uphold and strengthen the “Soldier-First” concept of his predecessor, ensuring that troop welfare remains a top priority.
“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,” the COAS declared.
During the visit, General Shaibu also paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR, where he sought continued prayers, intelligence support, and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations.
He assured the royal father of the Army’s readiness and resolve to restore lasting peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during recent flooding incidents, describing the Army’s assistance as unforgettable.
The monarch lauded the Army’s success in reclaiming all Local Government Areas previously under terrorist control and pledged continued intelligence and moral support towards the total defeat of insurgency.
The Army Chief while on the visit had an Operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, Commissioned the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment and initiated a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 4 × 30-family Corporal and Below Quarters.
Inspection of combat platforms and visits to wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and Services.
He also had an interaction with frontline troops deployed in Bama and adjoining sectors.
The visit marks a new phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterinsurgency posture, reflecting the COAS’s determination to recalibrate operational strategies, strengthen combat effectiveness, and consolidate ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the North East.