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, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to the fight against terrorism.
Musa and Matawalle were at the theatre command’s headquarters to assess ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
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 stressed the need for continued national support and reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackling insecurity.
In their address to troops, the ministers conveyed the President’s appreciation for their sacrifices and urged them to sustain the current momentum against insurgents.
The ministers paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Maiduguri Military Cemetery, where they laid wreaths in honour of troops who died in the line of duty.
The visit also featured the inspection of a newly constructed Command and Control Centre aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering and operational coordination, as well as the commissioning of newly built accommodation for military personnel to improve welfare and morale.
At the theatre command headquarters, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the ministers on operational developments.
He disclosed that troops neutralised more than 280 criminal elements during the Ramadan period, disrupted logistics networks, and rescued abducted civilians, while maintaining pressure through coordinated land and air operations.
The visit by the ministers began with a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, where the ministers commended the traditional ruler for his sustained support to the Armed Forces and acknowledged 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 on Tuesday, the ministers were received by the deputy governor, who expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of troops and continued federal support.
In response, they assured that military operations would be sustained and collaboration with the state government strengthened to improve security.
Insecurity, Counter-Insurgency
Terrorist attacks in Borno intensified in March 2026, when multiple bomb explosions struck Maiduguri at the Post Office area and the Monday Market.
At least 23 people were killed, and 108 were injured, shattering years of relative calm in the city.
The attacks, linked to insurgents, occurred amid renewed offensives by troops under Operation HADIN KAI, who have intensified air and ground operations, neutralising fighters, disrupting supply routes, and attempting to prevent further attacks despite persistent threats.
