The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to abandon defensive positions and maintain an aggressive offensive to eliminate the remaining terrorist elements in the North East.
​During an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force in Maiduguri on Saturday, March 7, 2026, Lt. Gen. Shaibu emphasized that the era of waiting for attacks is over. He directed personnel to sustain high-tempo operations to deny insurgents any freedom of movement, particularly as the Ramadan period draws to a close.
​Strategic Objectives of the Visit
​The COAS’s visit was designed to evaluate the current security climate and strengthen the strategic alignment between various security stakeholders. Key focus areas included:
- ​Assessing the overall security situation in the North East theatre.
- ​Evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing tactical operations.
- ​Enhancing collaboration among security agencies to address emerging threats.
​Commendation and Call to Action
​Addressing the troops, Lt. Gen. Shaibu praised the resilience and sacrifice of the personnel in protecting civilians. However, he stressed that consolidating recent victories requires “maximum situational awareness” and improved intelligence gathering.
​”The days of remaining in defensive positions are over,” Shaibu stated. “Troops must continue to take the fight to the terrorists wherever they are found.”
​Operational Readiness
​The Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the COAS on recent successes and existing challenges. Despite isolated setbacks in certain locations, Maj. Gen. Abubakar assured the Army Chief that morale remains high. He reaffirmed the troops’ commitment to restoring lasting peace to the region through professional and patriotic service.
