The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, to prepare for a decisive phase in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, stressing that failure is not an option.
Addressing the soldiers, Gen. Shaibu said, “You have been training to defeat the terrorists that have been disturbing the North‑East. This time, you are going to do it differently. All combat enablers have been provided. New platforms have been introduced, all to ensure that you succeed.”
He emphasized that the current generation of soldiers must surpass the achievements of their predecessors, bearing the responsibility of delivering a decisive blow against insurgent groups operating in the region.
Military experts note that insurgents continue to exploit vulnerabilities along the Lake Chad axis and harsh terrains, making the upcoming operations critical to consolidating gains against terrorist activities.
The Army Chief also highlighted troop welfare, announcing improvements in ration allowances, medical care, accommodation, and education for soldiers’ children, saying, “Your welfare has been taken care of … We will continue to improve on your well‑being.”
During his two‑day visit, Gen. Shaibu inspected drone and armoured assets, visited wounded soldiers at the Medical Specialists Hospital in Maimalari Cantonment, commissioned transit accommodation for troops, and paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno before returning to Abuja.