Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Wahidi Shaibu, on Thursday paid his first working visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North-East Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he met with officers and troops to boost their morale and encourage professionalism in counter-insurgency operations.
Speaking during the visit, Maj. Gen. Shaibu—who once served as the Theatre Commander of the North-East—described his return to Maiduguri as a homecoming and an opportunity to interact directly with the troops on the frontline.
“I want to first thank you for your felicitations and for appreciating our cordial working relationship. You are aware that I’ve been here for a very long time, and I know the challenges,” he said. “My coming here is, first and foremost, to appreciate the troops for what they have been doing and how far they’ve gone to secure the entire areas of operation.”
The Army Chief, who recently handed over the leadership of the Theatre Command to Major General Abubakar Abdullahi before his elevation to COAS, emphasized his commitment to sustaining and improving the “soldier-first” philosophy of his predecessor.
“For motivating the troops, we will uphold the soldier-first concept of my predecessor, and I’ll do everything to improve on that concept,” he assured.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with senior officers and commanders at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maj. Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed his focus on welfare and administrative efficiency.
“As soldiers get what is due to them on time, we’ll also look into how to extend that support to their families at home while they serve their fatherland,” he said.
On administrative reforms, the COAS pledged to ensure transparency and fairness in postings and promotions. “We will ensure that the right people are placed in the right positions and appoint the right type of commanders and staff officers. Fairness and justice within the system are key—every person will get what is due to them,” he stated.
Maj. Gen. Shaibu also reiterated the importance of welfare to combat effectiveness. “The morale concept of fighting power is key to achieving the desired expectations,” he noted. “We’ll continue to pay allowances promptly, and as you know, ration cost allowances have already been approved for the soldiers. With these packages, they will know they’re being taken care of.”
The visit underscores the Army Chief’s resolve to reinvigorate troops’ morale, enhance professionalism, and strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency and joint task force operations across the North-East.