By Kazeem Waris
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, to intensify their offensive against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists amid renewed deadly attacks in Borno State.
Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while addressing officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri during an operational assessment visit to the North-East theatre.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a series of deadly attacks in the theatre, including an assault on a military formation in Mairari village, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, where soldiers, suspected terrorists and civilians were reportedly killed, while operational vehicles were destroyed.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and sustained offensive operations, which he said had significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security across the region.
He urged the troops to consolidate their gains, maintain heightened vigilance and intensify pressure on terrorist groups until they are decisively defeated.
“Discipline, combat readiness and unwavering commitment remain critical to operational success,” Shaibu told the troops, reaffirming the nation’s confidence in their ability to restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East.
He added: “You must remain disciplined, resilient and focused. The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism.”
COAS promises better equipment, troop welfare
Reaffirming his Soldier First philosophy, the Army Chief assured personnel that their welfare would remain a priority as the military sustains operations against insurgents.
According to the statement, Shaibu pledged continued attention to the provision of modern combat equipment, improved accommodation, adequate medical support and timely troop rotation to strengthen morale and operational effectiveness.
The assurances come as troops continue to confront insurgent threats across Borno and other parts of the North-East, where military formations and civilian communities remain vulnerable to attacks.
Army Chief reviews security situation
Earlier, Shaibu received a comprehensive operational briefing from the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and sector commanders.
The briefing covered the prevailing security situation, operational successes, emerging challenges and strategies for sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.
The Army Chief also interacted with wounded soldiers, commending their courage and sacrifices in defending the country.
He assured the injured personnel of continued medical attention, rehabilitation and institutional support.
The visit underscores the Army leadership’s focus on frontline operational assessments, sustained military pressure and improved troop welfare as the Nigerian Army seeks to eliminate terrorist threats and consolidate security gains across the North-East.
