Nigeria: Troops will keep pressing until insurgents have no sanctuary, says COAS

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt‑Gen. Waidi Shaibu, told soldiers on his first visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai in the northeast that the Nigerian Army will maintain its offensive until every insurgent and terrorist is stripped of support and safe havens.

Speaking in Abuja, Shaibu, through the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt‑Col. Appolonia Anele, urged troops to intensify operations and crush the remaining insurgents, stressing that the army will leave no stone unturned in ending the insurgency. “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 said.

The army chief’s tour aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains in the counter‑terrorism and counter‑insurgency campaigns. Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of soldiers, logistics support and combat readiness, emphasizing that fairness, professionalism and competence will guide all deployments.

During the visit, Shaibu met the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, who praised the army’s gallantry and humanitarian work, noting that no local government area in Borno remains under terrorist control. The monarch pledged continued intelligence sharing and prayers for the success of the operations.

The COAS also received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command headquarters, inaugurated the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, laid the foundation for new soldiers’ quarters, and visited wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital. He later toured frontline locations in Bama and nearby sectors, reaffirming his resolve to recalibrate strategies and boost combat effectiveness.

The visit signals a renewed momentum in the Nigerian Army’s drive to eradicate terrorism and restore lasting peace across the northeast.