By Ahmed Liman Kingimi
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the new Chief of Army Staff, has paid his first operational visit to the Northeast theatre of Operation Hadin Kai, arriving at the frontline to assess ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
During his visit, General Shaibu emphasized that improving soldiers’ welfare is a top priority. He laid the foundation stone for two new units of thirty one-bedroom quarters at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, dedicated to soldiers of corporal rank and below. He explained that providing comfortable accommodation and support for troops and their families is essential for boosting morale and effectively combating terrorism and insurgency.
The Army Chief assured that his leadership will prioritize addressing the hardships faced by frontline personnel, promising decisive action against insurgents and criminal elements across all operational theatres.
He also commissioned the Theatre Command Heroes Transit Accommodation—a modern, air-conditioned facility capable of housing nearly 100 soldiers. The facility includes updated toilets and other amenities, providing a resting place for troops returning from the frontlines.
In addition, General Shaibu presented cash donations to the families of fallen troops at Maimalari Cantonment.
The Chief of Army Staff paid a courtesy call to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, at his palace in Maiduguri. During the visit, he shared that his first official duty after taking office was to visit the Northeast to review counter-insurgency efforts and engage with soldiers on the ground.
“Your son has come home,” he told the monarch. “Assessing operational commitments and discussing challenges is my priority so that our troops are better positioned to restore peace.”
Lieutenant General Shaibu praised the support of the Borno community, emphasizing the importance of intelligence sharing from local residents in maintaining military gains. He assured that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ending insurgency and criminality in the region.
The Shehu of Borno expressed appreciation for the Army Chief’s efforts, recalling his support during the devastating 2024 floods. “Borno will never forget your assistance—providing shelter, water, and aid when the city was overwhelmed,” he said.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of Borno, which borders Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, and covers 27 Local Government Areas with a population of over 7,000 ward heads and 59 district chairmen. The Shehu praised the improved security situation, attributing it to government and military efforts to secure porous borders.
He urged continued cooperation with the military and traditional leaders to mobilize communities for intelligence sharing, thanking the troops for their dedication to peace.
Borno remains the focal point of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, with the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai prioritizing clearance, intelligence-led operations, and stabilization of liberated areas.
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