Christmas came to the frontlines in Maiduguri as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, took the message of solidarity, sacrifice, and leadership directly to troops of Operation HADIN KAI, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s “Soldiers First” philosophy at the heart of counterterrorism operations in the North East.
The COAS honoured frontline troops of Operation HADIN KAI with a special Christmas luncheon in Maiduguri, Borno State, recognising their resilience, professionalism, and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and stabilising the Joint Operations Area, even as the nation marked the festive season.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Army Chief was represented at the event by the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut.
Delivering the COAS’ goodwill message, Major General Mutkut described Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, reminding troops that while many Nigerians celebrated with their families, frontline personnel remained steadfast in the discharge of their oath to God and country.
He praised the courage, discipline, and selfless service of the troops, noting that their sustained operations under Operation HADIN KAI have significantly contributed to the stabilisation of Borno State and the wider North East region.
The Army Chief called on troops to stay vigilant and proactive, noting that unlawful and disruptive elements often seek to exploit festive periods to disrupt peace and security.
He emphasised the need for continuous collaboration with sister security agencies and constructive engagement with host communities, highlighting public trust as a cornerstone of enduring peace.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed that troop welfare remains a top priority of the Nigerian Army, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare delivery, and support military families.
He expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support of military operations nationwide, and wished wounded personnel a speedy recovery.
In his welcome address, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, thanked the COAS for identifying with troops during the Yuletide season, describing the visit as a major morale booster for personnel deployed across the theatre.
Major General Abubakar outlined key operational successes recorded by OPHK, including the neutralisation of terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition, which contributed to a relatively peaceful Christmas period across the Joint Operations Area.
He noted that sustained leadership support has enabled the disruption of terrorist logistics, the establishment of Forward Operating Bases, and the resettlement of internally displaced persons.
Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani, commended the gallant troops for their patriotism and sacrifices, describing their commitment as second to none.
He assured the Armed Forces of the continued support of the Borno State Government and expressed condolences to families of fallen heroes.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops and wounded soldiers by the COAS’ representative and other senior officers, a gesture that reinforced leadership’s closeness to personnel at the frontlines.
The event, held at the 212 Battalion Parade Ground, Maimalari Military Cantonment, featured cultural performances and morale-boosting activities, bringing officers, soldiers, families, and invited guests together in an atmosphere of unity and festive cheer.