(PRESS STATEMENT)
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) (North East) , Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the military’s resolve to intensify operations aimed at decisively ending insurgency in the North-East.region .
Major-General Abubakar made this known on Saturday, January, 24, 2026, during the combined West African Social Activity (WASA) of the year 2025, co-hosted by Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division, Nigerian Army, at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
He described WASA as an enduring tradition of the Nigerian Army designed to preserve its ethics, traditions and customs through social interaction among troops, their families and well-wishers, while also marking the conclusion of activities for the year 2025.
“The event offers us the opportunity to reflect on our operational engagements over the past year,” the Theatre Commander said.
He noted that significant progress had been recorded in the effort to restore law and order across the North-East, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, stressing that the relative peace being celebrated was a direct result of the commitment, resilience and sacrifice of troops operating in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Major General Abubakar expressed profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; and the Service Chiefs for their strategic guidance, improved logistics and enhanced welfare support for personnel.
He assured that Operation HADIN KAI would double its efforts to decimate remnants of terrorist elements in Borno and other parts of the North-East region .
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 OPHK 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, describing them as patriotic Nigerians who sacrificed for the sovereignty of the nation.
Earlier, delivering the vote of thanks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 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 thanked the Theatre Commander for his leadership and guidance, as well as the Chairman of the Organising Committee, heads of sister security agencies and other critical stakeholders for their contributions to peace and stability in the joint operational environment.
The event featured colourful cultural displays representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, a tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and 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.
E-Signed:
SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
25 January, 2026
