Defence ministers visit North-East theatre, commend troops as over 280 terrorist neutralized

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have visited the Headquarters Theatre Command of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to ending terrorism.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the visit, conducted on March 31, 2026, was aimed at assessing ongoing operations, strengthening strategic coordination and engaging key stakeholders in the North-East theatre.

The ministers began the visit with a courtesy call on the Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, where they commended the traditional ruler for hiscontinued support to counter-insurgency efforts and acknowledged the resilience of the people of the region.

They later visited the Borno State Government House, where they were received by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur on behalf of Governor Babagana Zulum. The ministers reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining military operations and enhancing collaboration with the state government.

In honour of fallen soldiers, the ministers laid wreaths at the Military Cemetery in Maiduguri, paying tribute to troops who lost their lives in the fight against insurgency.

At the theatre headquarters, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the ministers on operational activities, revealing that troops neutralised over 280 terrorist elements during the Ramadan period, disrupted logistics networks and rescued abducted civilians.

Addressing journalists, Musa commended the Armed Forces for the progress recorded, attributing the gains to improved coordination, resilience and professionalism. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore peace and security across the country.

The ministers also inspected a newly constructed Military Command and Control Centre aimed at enhancing operational coordination and intelligence sharing, and commissioned new family accommodation for troops to improve welfare and morale.

They later addressed troops, conveying the President’s appreciation and urging them to sustain momentum in ongoing operations and deny insurgents freedom of action.

The Armed Forces, through Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirmed their commitment to consolidating gains and working with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and stability in the North-East.