In a bold demonstration of renewed strategic resolve to stamp out insurgency and restore enduring peace to the North East, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, today 6 November 2025, embarked on his maiden operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Theatre, Maiduguri, Borno State.

The visit, in line with the directive of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, underscores the Nigerian Army’s reinvigorated drive to consolidate on the gains made in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards total annihilation of terrorists in the NE.

Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the trooos to sustain relentless pressure on the remnants of insurgents until total victory is achieved. He emphasized the imperative of decisively dealing with the insurgents to ensure normalcy in the region, while creating enabling atmosphere for socio-economic recovery and normalcy across the North East.

The Army Chief, who was on ground to assess the operational readiness of formations and units, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to providing the necessary platforms, logistics and welfare incentives to enhance troop morale and combat efficiency. He pledged to uphold and strengthen the Soldier-First concept of his predecessor, ensuring the welfare of troops remain too priority, as he emphasized fairness, justice, professionalism and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to mission-critical assignments.

According to him, “The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned, we will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.” he averred.

The COAS also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR, where he solicited continued prayers, intelligence support and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations. He further assured the royal father of the Army’s capability and resolve to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during the flooding incidents, which he noted, the humanitarian services rendered can never be forgotten by the people. He lauded the Army’s efforts in restoring normalcy in the state, noting that no single Local Government Area in the state is presently under the control of terrorist elements. The monarch further pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing to ensure the total defeat of insurgency.

Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 4 x 30-family Corporal and Below quarters, inspection of combat platforms and visits to wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and Services, as well as frontline troops deployed at Bama and adjoining sectors.

The visit marks a new phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterinsurgency posture, reflecting the COAS’s determination to recalibrate operational strategies and strengthen the force’s combat effectiveness towards restoring peace and stability in the region.

From Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri

The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has embarked on an operational visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of efforts to evaluate ongoing security operations and motivate troops in the North East.

On arrival at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, Shaibu was received by the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, along with other senior military officers. During the visit, the Army Chief is scheduled to commission several developmental projects within the Theatre Command and receive comprehensive briefings from sector commanders on the current security situation in the region. He will also address frontline troops to commend their efforts and encourage renewed commitment in the fight against insurgency.The visit marks Shaibu’s first official engagement since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General O. Oluyede, who now serves as Chief of Defence Staff.As a former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, General Shaibu is expected to draw on his extensive experience in the North East to further strengthen military operations and consolidate gains made in the fight against terrorism.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi representing Osun East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries, held strategic meetings with key political figures to discuss the party’s roadmap and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to, Fadahunsi’s Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Oluwasegun Omo-Osodi, in a press statement in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Fadahunsi met with Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, immediate past governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The meeting focused on strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, the implementation of the Electoral Act, the upcoming general election, and continuous voter’s registration efforts.Expressing admiration for Oyetola’s leadership, Fadahunsi said, “I commend our leader, HE Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for his exemplary leadership and dedication.”They also discussed the forthcoming Osun governorship election, with confidence that the party primaries will be peaceful and that all aspirants will abide by party rules.Fadahunsi called on all party aspirants to maintain peace and decorum in their campaigns, commending their conduct so far: “I sincerely commend all our party aspirants for their peaceful campaigns and respect for party regulations.”In addition, Senator Fadahunsi visited Senator Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transport, and Honorable Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, urging their support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.