The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Nigerian Army, Major General Shamsudeen Shafaru, has commended troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), for their resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, dated February 1, 2026, the CCE gave the commendation during a five-day operational assessment visit to the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI.
The assessment visit, which commenced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, took Major General Shafaru to the Headquarters Theatre Command, sectors, components, formations and units across the theatre of operations. Speaking at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the CCE explained that the visit was aimed at assessing and enhancing the operational capacity of Nigerian Army Engineers (NAE) personnel deployed in the theatre.
Major General Shafaru lauded the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and troops of OPHK for their dedication, courage and selfless service, despite the harsh terrain and psychological demands associated with asymmetric warfare. He particularly acknowledged the critical contributions of NAE personnel to the operational successes recorded by the task force.
The CCE noted that the visit was inspired by the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment. He added that OPHK was among the first theatres he chose to visit upon assumption of office, in order to promote enhanced professionalism and improved performance of engineer troops in the North East and across the country.
Major General Shafaru assured troops of sustained emphasis on training and capacity development, while pledging the provision of modern engineering platforms and equipment to boost operational effectiveness and support ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorism in the region.
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the CCE for the visit, describing it as timely and strategic in view of evolving security threats. He highlighted the indispensable role of Nigerian Army Engineers in countering these threats and assured the CCE of the safety and welfare of engineer personnel deployed in the theatre. He also appealed for sustained support through the provision of additional operational enablers to enhance mission success.
The visit featured detailed operational briefings at the Headquarters Theatre Command, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs and a guided tour of selected sectors and formations within the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI. The operational assessment visit concluded on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
