COAS Visits North West, North East Amidst Rising Security Concerns
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has undertaken operational visits to troops under Operation HADIN KAI in Borno and those of 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna.
The visits, which came amidst rising security concerns in the country, were aimed at assessing the security situation, evaluating operational effectiveness, strengthening strategic alignment, and enhancing collaboration with security stakeholders to address prevailing threats in the regions.
He charged commanders to provide leadership, which is the most decisive factor in tackling insecurity. The COAS said effective leadership at all levels is essential for safeguarding lives and property, urging officers to remain exemplary figures whom soldiers can confidently rely on.
He also highlighted that leading troops in battle is a core responsibility of every officer, and called for unflinching dedication, loyalty and purposeful leadership on and off the battlefield.
At a separate address to soldiers on parade, the Army Chief charged troops to obey and trust their commanders, stressing the importance of loyalty, discipline and commitment in executing their constitutional duties.
General Shaibu also highlighted the indispensable role of training in military professionalism, describing it as the “best gift” the institution offers its personnel. He encouraged soldiers to take full advantage of courses provided by Nigerian Army training schools and divisional institutions to improve their competence and enhance personal development.
The COAS, who pledged to give priority to welfare of officers and soldiers, commissioned a newly built soldiers’ canteen at the Division Headquarters.
In Borno, General Waidi charged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to sustain vigilance, avoid complacency, and maintain aggressive posture in ongoing operations against terrorists in the North East.
He commended their gallantry and resilience of troops and urged them to remain steadfast and maintain maximum situational awareness to forestall emerging threats. He emphasised the need for continued operational aggressiveness to deny terrorists freedom of action across the theatre.
General Shaibu also engaged officers of the theatre command, where he stressed the importance of close supervision, effective coordination, robust intelligence gathering, and improved operational posture to sustain ongoing successes under Operation HADIN KAI.
