The Minister of Defence, Major General Christopher Musa (retd.), and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have visited the Headquarters Theatre Command of Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, in Maiduguri, Borno State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism.
The ministers were at the theatre command to assess ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Addressing journalists, Musa commended the Armed Forces for what he described as significant progress in the fight against insurgency, attributing the gains to improved coordination and professionalism among troops. He also stressed the need for sustained national support and reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
During their interaction with troops, the ministers conveyed the President’s appreciation for their sacrifices and urged them to maintain the current operational momentum.
They also paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Maiduguri Military Cemetery, laying wreaths in honour of personnel who died in the line of duty.
The visit featured the inspection of a newly constructed Command and Control Centre designed to enhance intelligence gathering and operational coordination, as well as the commissioning of newly built accommodation aimed at improving the welfare and morale of military personnel.
At the theatre headquarters, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the ministers on recent operational gains. He disclosed that troops neutralised over 280 insurgents during the Ramadan period, disrupted logistics networks, and rescued abducted civilians through coordinated land and air operations.
The ministers also paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, commending the traditional ruler for his continued support for the Armed Forces and acknowledging the resilience of residents in the North-East. They reiterated the government’s resolve to restore lasting peace in the region.
At the Borno State Government House, the ministers were received by the deputy governor, who expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of troops and ongoing federal support. In response, they assured that military operations would be sustained, with strengthened collaboration between federal and state authorities.
The visit comes amid renewed security concerns in Borno State. In March 2026, multiple bomb explosions hit Maiduguri, including at the Post Office area and Monday Market, killing at least 23 people and injuring 108 others.
The attacks, attributed to insurgents, occurred despite intensified offensives by troops under Operation HADIN KAI, who have continued coordinated air and ground operations to neutralise fighters, disrupt supply routes, and prevent further attacks.
