Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday arrived in Maiduguri for a one-day working visit to review the security situation following recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State.
The visit, which began around 10 a.m., focused on assessing the impact of the latest assaults on communities in Ngoshe, Gwoza, Konduga and Marte, where several lives were reportedly lost and properties destroyed during attacks linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
On arrival at the Operational Headquarters, the army chief was received by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside senior officers and commanders leading various operational sectors across the theatre.
Those present at the meeting included the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and commander of Sector 1, the GOC Damaturu Command overseeing Sector 2, and the GOC Monguno Command in charge of Sector 3. Brigade commanders, battalion commanders and other senior officers also participated.
Representatives from other security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigeria Customs Service were also in attendance.
Closed-Door Operational Briefing
During the nearly three-hour closed-door session, the COAS said he received comprehensive briefings from field commanders on ongoing operations, including progress made at the frontline and operational challenges requiring urgent attention.
According to him, the meeting provided deeper insight into the immediate needs of troops across different formations and battalions.
Shaibu explained that the discussions would help the Army headquarters respond quickly to operational demands while strengthening professionalism and discipline among troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
The army chief noted that the visit was also aimed at boosting the morale of soldiers deployed in the northeast and encouraging them to intensify efforts to safeguard civilians and their property.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across affected communities in the region and other parts of the country.
Shaibu further stressed the importance of stronger cooperation among the armed forces and other security agencies to effectively tackle insurgency and restore lasting peace.