The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Friday raised the stakes in the fight against insurgency in the North-East, telling troop that the next phase of operations will be decisive in ending Boko Haram and ISWAP’s long-running campaign of terror.
Addressing soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, Shaibu said the Army was entering a critical moment, stressing that success is the only acceptable outcome.
“You have been training to defeat the terrorists disturbing the North-East. This time, you are going to do it differently. All combat enablers have been provided. New platforms have been introduced — all to ensure you succeed,” he said.
He told the troops that this stage of the war belongs to a new generation of soldiers and challenged them to surpass the achievements of those who fought in previous national and international missions.
The Army Chief reminded them that the responsibility of delivering a final, decisive blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP now rests squarely on their shoulders.
The North-East has recently witnessed a worrying shift, as extremists — though weakened — attempt to exploit border gaps, harsh terrain, and the Lake Chad axis to regroup. Security analysts also warn that foreign extremist propaganda and disrupted arms trafficking routes could embolden militants if Nigeria slows down its offensive.
Shaibu revealed that highly experienced officers have now been deployed into the theatre, and doubled down on the Army’s improved capability. His repeated reference to “new platforms” points to upgraded surveillance systems, better mobility equipment, and more precise strike assets.
For many of the troops listening — men who have lost colleagues in unforgiving terrain — his words carried weight: “Those before you have done it. This is your own time,” he told them.
In an unusually personal tone for a military briefing, Shaibu devoted significant attention to welfare — a long-standing concern among soldiers.
“Your welfare has been taken care of — from improved ration cost allowance, to prompt payment of all your allowances, to improved medical care. We will continue to improve your well-being,” he said.
Read Also;
Trump threat: Engage Obasanjo, Anyaoku, others, Dele Momodu tells Tinubu
He also promised more investment in accommodation and better schooling options for soldiers’ children.
“We will ensure your children go to the best schools — our command schools and Army children’s schools,” he added, drawing applause.
During his two-day visit to Maiduguri, the COAS also met with wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Medical Specialists Hospital, paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, inspected Army Aviation/TB2 Armed Drone facilities, reviewed repaired armoured vehicles, commissioned new Heroes Accommodation for transit troops, and returned to Abuja on Friday.
