COAS Tasks Troops To Sustain Offensive Against Terrorists, Promises Better Welfare
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, to sustain offensive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.
Shaibu gave the directive on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while addressing officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State, during an operational assessment visit to the North East theatre.
The Army Chief commended the troops for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, noting that their sustained offensives had significantly weakened terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security across the region.
He urged the personnel to build on the successes recorded, remain vigilant and intensify military operations to ensure the decisive defeat of terrorist groups operating in the North East.
Shaibu stressed that discipline, combat readiness and professionalism remained essential to achieving operational success, adding that the nation relied on the troops to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.
Reaffirming his Soldier First philosophy, the COAS assured the personnel of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving their welfare through the provision of modern combat equipment, better accommodation, adequate medical care and timely troop rotation.
“You must remain disciplined, resilient and focused. The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism,” he charged.
Earlier, the Army Chief received an operational briefing from the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and other sector commanders.
The briefing covered the prevailing security situation, operational achievements, emerging challenges and strategies for sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.
During the visit, Shaibu also interacted with wounded soldiers, praising their bravery and sacrifices in defending the country.
He assured the injured personnel of continued medical attention, rehabilitation and institutional support to facilitate their recovery and well-being.
The visit highlights the COAS’s commitment to frontline leadership, improved troop welfare and sustained military operations aimed at eliminating terrorist threats and consolidating security gains in the North East.
