The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s resolve to intensify operations aimed at decisively ending insurgency in the North-East region.
Major General Abubakar gave the assurance on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the Combined West African Social Activity (WASA) 2025, jointly hosted by the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division of the Nigerian Army at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
He described WASA as a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army designed to preserve its ethics, customs and traditions through social interaction among troops, their families and well-wishers, while also marking the conclusion of activities for the year 2025.
According to the Theatre Commander, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on operational engagements over the past year, noting that significant progress had been recorded in restoring law and order across the North-East, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
He attributed the relative peace currently enjoyed in the region to the commitment, resilience and sacrifices of troops, operating in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff. He assured that Operation HADIN KAI would double its efforts to decimate the remnants of terrorist elements in Borno and other parts of the North-East.
Major General Abubakar expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and the Service Chiefs for their strategic guidance, improved logistics and enhanced welfare support for personnel.
In his remarks, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Bukar Tijjani, commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.
He assured that the Borno State Government and its people would continue to support Operation HADIN KAI in achieving lasting peace, while pledging sustained collaboration with the Theatre Command. The governor also commiserated with the families of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the line of duty and prayed for the speedy recovery of wounded personnel.
Earlier, delivering the vote of thanks, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, expressed gratitude to the Borno State Government for its unwavering support and sense of ownership of security efforts.
He also appreciated the Theatre Commander for his leadership and guidance, as well as the organising committee, sister security agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to peace and stability in the joint operational environment.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, further disclosed that the event featured colourful cultural displays representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, a tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, comedy performances, award presentations to outstanding soldiers of the year, a suya competition, presentation of souvenirs to special guests, the beating of the retreat and the symbolic lighting of the bonfire, which climaxed the ceremony.
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