CDS, COAS Order Intensified Operations Against Terrorists in Borno
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, have directed troops to intensify offensive operations against terrorist elements in the North East following a high-level operational assessment visit to Maiduguri.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, saw both military chiefs arrive at the Headquarters Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Operation HADIN KAI, just 24 hours after recent suicide bomb incidents within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in Borno State.
Addressing officers and troops at the Maimalari Cantonment, General Oluyede commended the personnel for their resilience, professionalism, and sustained operational pressure against terrorist groups across the theatre. He urged them to remain committed and resolute in the execution of their duties despite emerging security challenges.
In response to recent incidents, the CDS directed commanders to escalate offensive operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and adopt more proactive and innovative strategies aimed at maintaining dominance over the battlespace. He stressed the importance of sustaining operational momentum and assured troops of continued strategic support from Defence Headquarters in achieving the objective of decisively defeating terrorism.
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Lieutenant General Shaibu also praised the troops for their dedication and consistency in maintaining pressure on terrorist elements. He instructed field commanders to sustain and further intensify ongoing operations while adopting a firm posture aimed at denying terrorists any opportunity to regroup or launch attacks, particularly during sensitive periods such as Ramadan.
He further assured the Theatre Command of additional logistical and operational support to improve force protection, strengthen combat effectiveness, and reinforce the ongoing offensive operations across the theatre.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI briefed the visiting chiefs on the current operational situation, outlining recent activities, challenges, and achievements within the Joint Operations Area. He noted that despite isolated setbacks, troops have continued to demonstrate professionalism and effectiveness in sustaining offensive operations.
According to him, more than 200 terrorist elements were neutralised in recent operations, with several others sustaining injuries, significantly degrading their operational capacity and limiting their ability to carry out further attacks.
He reaffirmed the commitment of troops under Operation HADIN KAI to maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist groups, denying them freedom of action, and supporting broader efforts to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the North East region.
By PRNigeria
