01/04/2026
*PRESS RELEASE*
*HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE VISIT HQ OPERATION HADIN KAI, COMMEND TROOPS, REAFFIRM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S RESOLVE TO DEFEAT TERRORISM*
The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Major General Christoper Musa Chief Of Defense Staff, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Defence (HMOSD), Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, on 31 March 2026, conducted an operational visit to Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri. The visit was aimed at appraising ongoing operations, reinforcing Federal Government’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, and engaging key stakeholders in the Theatre.
The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno at his palace, where the Honourable Ministers paid homage to the revered traditional ruler and expressed deep appreciation for his sustained support to the Armed Forces and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. The Ministers acknowledged the resilience of the people and reaffirmed the government’s support to the North East Region.
Thereafter, the Ministers proceeded to the Borno State Government House, where they were received by the Deputy Governor on behalf of the Executive Governor. The Deputy Governor conveyed the appreciation of the Government and people of Borno State for the continued sacrifices of troops and the Federal Government’s support. In response, the Honourable Ministers reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining military operations and strengthening collaboration with the State Government and assured of intensified efforts to enhance security across the region.
In honour of fallen heroes, the Ministers visited the Military Cemetery in Maiduguri, where they laid wreaths and paid solemn tribute to gallant troops who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation. The gesture underscored the nation’s enduring gratitude and commitment to the welfare and legacy of its fallen warriors.
At Headquarters OPHK, the Honourable Ministers received a comprehensive operational brief from the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who outlined recent operational activities across the Theatre. The Theatre Commander highlighted significant milestones recorded through sustained offensive-defensive operations, including the neutralisation of over 280 terrorist elements during the Ramadan period, disruption of their logistics networks, and rescue of abducted civilians. He further presented future operational projections and assured the Ministers of the unwavering commitment, high morale and determination of troops to decisively defeat terrorism in the North East.
Addressing the press, the Honourable Minister of Defence commended the Armed Forces for the remarkable progress recorded in ongoing operations, noting that the successes achieved reflect improved coordination, resilience and professionalism of troops. He emphasised the need for sustained national support to the military and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,to decisively address insecurity and restore lasting peace across the country.
The visit also featured the inspection of the newly constructed Military Command and Control Centre, designed to enhance operational coordination, intelligence fusion and real-time decision-making within the Theatre. Additionally, the Honourable Ministers also commissioned newly constructed family accommodation for troops initiated and funded by the HMOD. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale.
The visit culminated in an address to troops, where the Honourable Ministers conveyed the President’s appreciation for their sacrifices, courage and steadfastness. They charged personnel to remain resolute, sustain the current operational momentum and continue to deny terrorists freedom of action across the Theatre. The engagement concluded on a high note, with troops expressing renewed motivation and confidence through resounding cheers, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the mission.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, through Operation HADIN KAI, remain fully committed to sustaining coordinated land and air operations, consolidating ongoing gains, and working in synergy with relevant stakeholders to achieve the total defeat of terrorism and restoration of enduring peace in the North East.
