Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Retired) has conducted an operational assessment of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining military pressure on terrorist groups in the region.
The visit on Tuesday alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle provided the ministers with a first-hand appraisal of ongoing counter-insurgency operations, strategic alignment with field realities, and an opportunity to engage critical stakeholders in Borno State.
The delegation began their engagements with a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, to acknowledge the traditional institution’s sustained support to the armed forces.
They later met with the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Honourable Umar Usman Kadafur, who represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, where they discussed strengthening collaboration between the military and the state government.
In a solemn tribute, the ministers visited the Military Cemetery in Maiduguri, laying wreaths in honour of fallen soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
At the Theatre Command headquarters, the ministers received a comprehensive operational briefing from the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
According to a statement by the Theatre’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Theatre Commander highlighted significant milestones recorded through sustained operations.
Major General Abubakar noted that troops had neutralised over 280 terrorist elements during the Ramadan period, disrupted key logistics networks, and rescued several abducted civilians.
He assured the ministers of the troops’ high morale and their unwavering determination to defeat terrorism in the North East.
Addressing the press, General Musa commended the armed forces for their professionalism and the remarkable progress recorded, attributing the successes to improved coordination and resilience.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restore lasting peace across the country.
“The successes we are seeing are a testament to the improved coordination, resilience, and utmost professionalism of our troops
“The Federal Government remains committed to decisively addressing insecurity.” General Musa said.
The visit also featured the commissioning of a newly constructed Military Command and Control Centre, designed to enhance operational coordination and real-time intelligence fusion.
Additionally, the ministers inaugurated new family accommodation units for troops, an initiative funded by the Minister of Defence to boost personnel welfare and morale.
In a final address to troops, the ministers conveyed the President’s appreciation for their courage and steadfastness, charging them to sustain the operational momentum.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba noted that the engagement concluded on a high note, with troops expressing renewed motivation through resounding cheers, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the mission.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, through Operation Hadin Kai, continues to coordinate land and air operations to consolidate gains and work with stakeholders to achieve the total defeat of terrorism, paving the way for enduring peace and economic stability in the North East.
