Army Chief vows relentless offensive against insurgents in North-East
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has pledged that Nigerian troops will maintain unyielding pressure on insurgents until they are completely deprived of support, safe havens, and operational capacity.
Shaibu made the declaration in Maiduguri, Borno State, during his maiden operational tour of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, according to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele.
He urged troops to intensify their offensives to decisively crush the remaining insurgent elements and secure lasting peace across the North-East.
“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,” he stated, directing commanders to sustain momentum until total victory is achieved.
The visit, the statement noted, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains made in ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
During the tour, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, seeking continued prayers, intelligence cooperation, and community support to complement military efforts. He assured the monarch of the Army’s resolve to restore durable peace across Borno and the broader North-East.
The Shehu commended the Army for its bravery, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during recent flooding, adding that no local government area in Borno remains under terrorist control. He pledged continued support, especially in intelligence sharing, to ensure the total defeat of insurgency.
Highlights of the COAS visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, groundbreaking for new family quarters for Corporals and Below, inspection of combat platforms, visits to wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital, and engagements with frontline troops in Bama and nearby sectors.
