The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, to sustain their offensive against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists, assuring them of improved welfare and operational support.
Shaibu gave the directive on Saturday during an operational assessment visit to the North-East theatre, where he addressed officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He commended the troops for their sacrifices, courage and sustained military operations, which he said had weakened terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security in the region.
The Army Chief urged the personnel to consolidate the gains recorded, remain vigilant and intensify operations towards defeating terrorism in the North-East.
“You must remain disciplined, resilient and focused. The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism,” Shaibu told the troops.
He stressed that discipline, combat readiness and professionalism remained essential to achieving operational success, adding that Nigerians expected the military to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.
COAS Promises Improved Troop Welfare
Reaffirming his Soldier First philosophy, Shaibu assured the troops that the Army leadership would sustain efforts to improve their welfare and operational effectiveness.
He listed the provision of modern combat equipment, improved accommodation, adequate medical support and timely troop rotation among the areas receiving attention.
The Army Chief said improved welfare and working conditions were necessary to boost morale and enable personnel to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Earlier, Shaibu received an operational briefing from the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and sector commanders.
The briefing covered the prevailing security situation, operational successes, emerging challenges and strategies to sustain pressure on terrorist groups across the theatre.
Army Chief Visits Wounded Soldiers
As part of the visit, Shaibu interacted with wounded soldiers, commending their sacrifices and courage in defending the country.
He assured the injured personnel of continued medical care, rehabilitation and institutional support.
The Army Chief’s visit underscores the military leadership’s focus on frontline engagement, sustained operational readiness and troop welfare as operations against terrorist groups continue in the North-East.
The statement was issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
