Days after a deadly terrorist attack on a military base in Borno State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday arrived Maiduguri to encourage frontline troops and assure them of improved welfare and stronger operational support as the military intensifies efforts to end the insurgency.
The Army Chief landed at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri on an operational visit to the North-East theatre, where he was received by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Ajose, alongside senior officers, including Sector 1, Sector 2 and Sector 3 Commanders of the Joint Task Force.
The visit comes at a critical time as troops continue sustained operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across Borno and neighbouring states.
During the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu is expected to meet commanders at different levels, including unit, battalion, task force, General Officer Commanding and theatre commanders, to review ongoing military operations and assess the security situation in the North-East.
Military sources said the operational tour is designed to boost the morale of soldiers on the frontlines while reviewing strategies aimed at clearing the remaining terrorist hideouts in the region.
The COAS also urged insurgents still hiding in the bush to surrender voluntarily, assuring them that the Federal Government’s non-kinetic programmes provide opportunities for repentant fighters to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society.
The Army Chief commended troops for their courage, sacrifice and resilience in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
He also pledged to improve their welfare and provide greater operational support to encourage them to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism.
His visit follows recent military successes in the North-East, including the reported killing of dozens of terrorists during an attempted attack on troops in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The trip also comes barely days after terrorists attacked a military base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area, where several soldiers and civilians were reportedly killed.
The incident renewed concerns over the persistent threat posed by insurgents despite years of military operations.
During his stay in Maiduguri, the COAS is expected to receive operational briefings behind closed doors from field commanders and participate in other strategic engagements aimed at strengthening ongoing operations.
The operational assessment is expected to shape the next phase of the military’s campaign as security forces continue efforts to restore lasting peace across Nigeria’s North-East.