Operation Hadin Kai: Theatre commander commends troops

… inaugurates strategic defence post in Borno

By Kunle Sanni

The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has called on troops to sustain their offensive against insurgents in the North East, pledging continued support for their welfare and operational needs.

The charge came during an operational assessment tour to military formations in Damasak, Gubio, and Magumeri in Borno State, where the commander evaluated ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism and commended frontline soldiers for their resilience and professionalism.

Addressing personnel of the 5 Brigade Headquarters and 145 Battalion in Damasak, the 149 Battalion in Gubio, and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Magumeri, Major General Abubakar conveyed high praise from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Service Chiefs. He urged troops to remain focused, committed, and adaptive to evolving threats in the region.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, places premium on your welfare and operational effectiveness,” he told the troops. “Efforts are underway to recognise outstanding performance and improve living and working conditions across all units.”

Highlighting the importance of leadership at all levels, the Theatre Commander charged unit commanders to intensify operational planning and enhance troop management, noting that the battle against terrorism demands agility, coordination, and constant vigilance.

During his stop at FOB Magumeri, Major General Abubakar commissioned the newly completed MI-35 Strong Point — a 75-metre elevated structure designed to improve surveillance and defence capability. The project, initiated by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Manu, is expected to enhance the base’s tactical advantage in the area.

As part of the visit, the commander also led a symbolic tree-planting exercise to promote environmental sustainability around military installations.

He was received at each location with a Quarter Guard salute and provided with operational briefings by local commanding officers. The visit was conducted in the company of Component Commanders, Formation Commanders, and senior staff officers from Operation HADIN KAI Headquarters.