Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East to sustain offensive operations, while pledging continued improvements in their welfare and combat capabilities.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, General Shaibu gave the charge during an operational assessment visit to the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, where he addressed troops at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Army Chief commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and sustained operations, which he said had weakened terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security.
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He urged them to consolidate their gains, maintain vigilance and uphold discipline, professionalism and combat readiness.
“You must remain disciplined, resilient and focused. The nation is proud of you and looks up to you for the final defeat of terrorism,” the Army Chief charged.
Reaffirming his “Soldier First” philosophy, Shaibu assured personnel of continued improvements in welfare, modern combat equipment, accommodation, medical support and timely troop rotation to boost morale and operational effectiveness.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and sector commanders briefed the Army Chief on the security situation, operational successes, emerging challenges and strategies to sustain pressure on terrorist groups.
Shaibu also interacted with wounded soldiers, commending their sacrifices in defence of the country and assuring them of continued medical care, rehabilitation and institutional support.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s focus on sustained counterterrorism operations, operational readiness and troop welfare in efforts to restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East.
