The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying operations to decisively end insurgency in the North-East.
Major General Abubakar made the pledge on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the combined West African Social Activity (WASA) for the year 2025. The event, co-hosted by the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division, Nigerian Army, took place at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Preserving Military Traditions
In a statement released by the Media Information Officer for OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA News, the Theatre Commander described WASA as an enduring Nigerian Army tradition. The event aims to preserve military ethics, traditions, and customs through social interaction among troops, their families, and the public, while marking the conclusion of the year’s activities.
“The event offers us the opportunity to reflect on our operational engagements over the past year,” Major General Abubakar stated.
He highlighted significant progress in restoring law and order across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. He attributed the current relative peace to the resilience and sacrifice of the troops, operating under the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Strategic Support and Appreciation
The Theatre Commander expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for their strategic guidance and improved logistics support. He assured that Operation HADIN KAI would “double its efforts” to eliminate the remnants of terrorist elements in the region.
Representing the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Bukar Tijjani, commended the Army’s role in maintaining security. He pledged the state’s continued collaboration with the Theatre Command and offered condolences to the families of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for national sovereignty.
Highlights of the Event
Earlier, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, thanked the state government and sister security agencies for their partnership in maintaining stability.
The 2025 WASA ceremony featured:
- Cultural Displays: Representative performances from Nigeria’s various geopolitical zones.
- Competitions: A tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, and a “suya” competition.
- Recognition: Award presentations to the “Outstanding Soldiers of the Year.”
- Grand Finale: The traditional beating of the retreat and the symbolic lighting of the bonfire.