The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has directed Nigerian troops to maintain relentless offensive operations until insurgents are completely deprived of support and sanctuary.
General Shaibu made the declaration during his first visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, Borno State. According to a statement from the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, he urged troops to intensify efforts to eliminate the remaining insurgents and restore lasting peace to 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, emphasizing that pressure on terrorists must continue until total victory is secured.
The visit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
During the tour, General Shaibu also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, seeking prayers, intelligence support, and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations. He assured the Shehu of the Army’s capability and determination to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North-East.
In response, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its bravery, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, especially during recent flooding incidents, noting that the assistance provided will not be forgotten by the people.
He praised the Army’s role in restoring normalcy, highlighting that no Local Government Area in the state is currently under terrorist control. The monarch also pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing to ensure the complete defeat of insurgency.
