By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian military has issued a renewed and uncompromising warning to insurgents operating in the North-East, declaring that their days are numbered as operations intensify to completely eliminate the remnants of terror groups threatening the region.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, made this declaration during the Combined West African Social Activity (WASA) for 2025, held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Addressing troops, their families and stakeholders, Major General Abubakar reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering resolve to decisively end insurgency in the North-East, stressing that the era of fear, destruction and lawlessness imposed by terrorists is rapidly drawing to a close.
He described WASA as more than a ceremonial tradition, noting that it symbolises unity, resilience and the unbreakable bond between soldiers and the people they protect, while also providing an opportunity to review operational gains recorded over the past year.
According to him, the improved security situation across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states is a direct outcome of the courage, discipline and sacrifices of Nigerian troops who continue to operate relentlessly in difficult and dangerous terrain to restore peace and normalcy.
“The relative peace we are witnessing today did not come cheap,”the Theatre Commander said, adding that it was achieved through blood, sweat and an unyielding commitment to duty by gallant personnel working in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
Major General Abubakar commended the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and the Service Chiefs for their firm leadership, improved logistics and enhanced welfare support, which he said have boosted morale and operational effectiveness.
He warned that Operation HADIN KAI would not relent until every enclave of terror is dismantled, assuring Nigerians that ongoing and future operations would be intensified to flush out and neutralise all remaining terrorist elements in the region.
In a show of solidarity, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Bukar Tijjani, praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained sacrifices and commitment to protecting lives and critical infrastructure in the state.
The governor reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Borno State Government and its people for OPHK, pledging continued collaboration to ensure lasting peace and stability.
He also paid tribute to fallen heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation, describing them as true patriots whose sacrifices would never be forgotten, while praying for the speedy recovery of wounded personnel still receiving treatment.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government, sister security agencies and critical stakeholders for their cooperation and shared commitment to security in the joint operational environment.
The colourful event featured cultural performances from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, a friendly tug-of-war between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, comedy acts, award presentations to outstanding soldiers, a suya competition, and the symbolic lighting of the bonfire — a powerful reminder that despite years of insurgency, the spirit of unity and national pride remains unbroken.
