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By:Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has paid an operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-service collaboration in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
According to a statement by SANI UBA, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, dated 1st January 2026, the Naval Chief addressed troops during the visit, extended New Year greetings, and commended their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. He also conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for the operational successes recorded in curbing terrorist activities across the North East.
Vice Admiral Abbas underscored the critical importance of jointness among the Armed Forces, noting that effective collaboration enhances operational efficiency, enables swift responses to security threats, and strengthens national security. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining a strong presence on the Lake Chad waterways in support of peace, security, and economic recovery in the region.
The Naval Chief further highlighted ongoing efforts to restore socio-economic activities, stressing that the reopening of key waterways has allowed fishermen, farmers, traders, and transport operators to resume their livelihoods. He noted that sustained naval presence and close coordination with other services remain vital to maintaining security and supporting local communities.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the Chief of the Naval Staff and presented a comprehensive briefing on the activities of the Joint Task Force. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Nigerian Navy, particularly in the Lake Chad Islands, describing maritime dominance as critical to operational success and regional stability.
During the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas conducted an on-the-spot assessment of naval facilities at the Naval Base Annex along the Monguno Road before proceeding to the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga. There, he interacted with troops at Fish Dam and undertook a riverine patrol of the Lake Chad waterways to assess the level of operational clearance achieved so far.
The operational tour concluded with a New Year luncheon with the troops.
The Naval Chief also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s support and assured of continued collaboration to secure the waterways and promote socio-economic development. Governor Zulum commended the Nigerian Navy for its achievements and called for sustained operations to maintain lasting peace in the region.
The visit attracted senior military and naval officers, including the Deputy Theatre Commander, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, component commanders, and principal staff officers, and featured operational briefings, interactive engagements, and ceremonial activities.
PR/BBW
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