The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to intensify operations aimed at decisively ending insurgency in the North-East region.
He made this known on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the Combined West African Social Activity (WASA) for the year 2025, held at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. The event was co-hosted by Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division, Nigerian Army.
Major General Abubakar described WASA as a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army designed to preserve its ethics, customs, and values through social interaction among troops, their families, and well-wishers, while also serving as a platform to review activities for the outgoing year.
According to him, the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the operational engagements of troops over the past year, noting that remarkable progress had been recorded in restoring peace and stability across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
He attributed the relative peace being enjoyed in the region to the resilience, professionalism, and sacrifices of troops operating in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
The Theatre Commander expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs for their strategic guidance, improved logistics, and enhanced welfare support for personnel.
He assured that Operation HADIN KAI would sustain and intensify efforts to eliminate the remaining elements of terrorist groups in Borno and other parts of the North-East.
In his remarks, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Bukar Tijjani, commended the Nigerian Army for its consistent commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
He pledged the continued support of the state government and its people to the military in the fight against insurgency and assured of sustained collaboration with security agencies.
The governor also sympathised with families of fallen soldiers and prayed for the quick recovery of wounded personnel, described them as patriots who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, expressed gratitude to the Borno State Government and other stakeholders for their unwavering support towards security operations in the region.
He also appreciated the Theatre Commander for his leadership and commended sister security agencies for their cooperation in the joint operational environment.
The ceremony featured colourful cultural performances from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, a tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, comedy shows, award presentations to outstanding soldiers, a suya competition, presentation of souvenirs to special guests, and the symbolic lighting of a bonfire, which marked the climax of the event.
