The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the military’s unwavering resolve to intensify operations and decisively end the long-standing insurgency in the North-East region.
The Commander pledged on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the combined West African Social Activity (WASA) for the year 2025. The event, co-hosted by the Headquarters Theatre Command and Headquarters 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, took place at the 212 Parade Ground within Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Abubakar described WASA as a cornerstone tradition of the Nigerian Army aimed at preserving military ethics, customs, and traditions. He noted that the event fosters vital social interaction among troops, their families, and the community while marking the formal conclusion of the previous year’s activities.
“The event offers us the opportunity to reflect on our operational engagements over the past year,” the Theatre Commander said. He highlighted that significant progress has been made in restoring law and order across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. He further emphasised that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the region is a direct result of the commitment, resilience, and sacrifice of troops acting in alignment with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
Major General Abubakar expressed his profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for their strategic leadership and the provision of improved logistics and welfare support. Looking ahead, he assured the public that Operation HADIN KAI would double its efforts to decimate the remnants of terrorist elements still operating in Borno and other parts of the region.
Representing the Borno State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Bukar Tijjani, delivered remarks on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. The Governor commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in securing the state and pledged continued collaboration to achieve lasting peace. During his address, the Governor also offered condolences to the families of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price and prayed for the recovery of wounded personnel, hailing them as patriotic Nigerians who sacrificed for national sovereignty.
Earlier in the ceremony, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Borno State Government for its “sense of ownership” regarding security efforts and thanked sister security agencies and stakeholders for their contributions to regional stability.
The celebration was marked by a vibrant display of Nigeria’s diverse heritage, featuring cultural performances from various geopolitical zones. The festivities included a tug-of-war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force, comedy acts, and a “suya” competition. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding soldiers, the traditional beating of the retreat, and the symbolic lighting of a bonfire.
