The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has conducted a landmark operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on January 1, 2026, to strengthen synergy in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Theatre Command Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA.
​During the visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, Vice Admiral Abbas emphasized that seamless collaboration among the various arms of the Armed Forces is essential for operational efficiency, rapid response, and national security.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust presence on the Lake Chad waterways to facilitate both security and economic recovery.
​In an address to the troops, the CNS conveyed New Year greetings and shared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their sacrifices.
He noted that the military’s successes have led to the reopening of critical waterways, allowing farmers, fishermen, and traders to resume their livelihoods.
​The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the CNS on the Joint Task Force’s activities, acknowledging the Navy’s pivotal role in achieving maritime dominance within the Lake Chad Islands.
​As part of his assessment tour, Vice Admiral Abbas visited the Naval Base Annex along Monguno Road and the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga. While at the “Fish Dam” in Baga, the CNS interacted with personnel and led a riverine patrol of the waterways to evaluate the progress of security clearance operations.
The CNS also paid a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
During the meeting, Governor Zulum commended the Navy’s achievements and urged for intensified operations to ensure lasting peace.
Vice Admiral Abbas however, thanked the Governor for his continued support and pledged further collaboration to safeguard the region’s socio-economic interests.
The visit concluded with a New Year luncheon held in honor of the troops.
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​The visit was attended by senior military officials, including the Deputy Theatre Commander, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, and various component commanders.
