CDS, COAS Storm Borno, Rally Troops for All-Out Offensive Against Terrorists
By Raphael Ekpang
Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, arrived Maiduguri on an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), barely 24 hours after recent suicide bomb incidents within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
Addressing officers and troops at the Maimalari Cantonment, the CDS commended the troops for their resilience, sacrifice, and sustained operational pressure against terrorist elements across the theatre. He charged personnel to remain fully committed and resolute in the execution of their duties.
In line with the need to consolidate gains and prevent a recurrence of recent incidents, General Oluyede directed commanders to intensify offensive operations against terrorist elements, strengthen intelligence architecture, and adopt innovative and proactive strategies to dominate the battlespace. He emphasised the imperative of maintaining operational momentum and assured troops of sustained strategic support from Defence Headquarters towards achieving the decisive defeat of terrorism.
Speaking subsequently, the COAS also commended the troops for their unwavering dedication, doggedness, and consistent pressure on the adversary. He charged the field commanders to sustain and intensify ongoing offensive operations, while institutionalising a firm “never again” posture to deny terrorist elements any operational space or opportunity to strike, particularly during critical periods such as Ramadan and beyond.
The COAS further assured the Theatre Command of additional support and critical enablers to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen force protection, and reinforce the ongoing intensified offensive across the theatre.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar presented a comprehensive operational brief on activities within the Joint Operations Area, highlighting ongoing engagements, operational challenges, and recent successes. He noted that despite isolated setbacks, troops have continued to dominate the battlespace through sustained offensive actions with utmost commitment and professionalism.
He disclosed that over 200 terrorist elements were neutralised in recent operations, while several others sustained severe injuries, significantly degrading their combat capability and preventing their return to the battlefield.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed that OPHK troops remain resolute, undeterred, and fully committed to sustaining intensified offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring enduring peace and economic stability across the North East region.
