Army chief Waidi Shaibu says troops will sustain offensive actions until insurgents are denied all support and sanctuary.

Mr Shaibu said this during his maiden operational tour of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, in the North-East, according to a statement on Friday.

Mr Shaibu urged troops to intensify operations with a view to crushing the remnants of insurgents and restoring lasting peace to the North-East. 

He charged them to sustain pressure on the terrorists until total victory is achieved, assuring that the Nigerian Army would leave no stone unturned in ending the insurgency.

“The Nigerian Army under my command will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” he said.

The army chief said his visit was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns. He reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of troops, logistics support, and combat readiness, adding that fairness, professionalism, and competence would guide all deployments.

The army chief also paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, who lauded the army’s gallantry and humanitarian interventions, noting that no local government area in the state was under the control of terrorists.

The monarch pledged continued support through intelligence sharing and prayers for the success of military operations.

During the visit, the army chief received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, inaugurated the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, laid the foundation for new soldiers’ quarters, and visited wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital.

Mr Shaibu also toured frontline locations in Bama and adjoining sectors, reaffirming his resolve to recalibrate operational strategies and strengthen combat effectiveness.

The visit signals a renewed momentum in the army’s drive to completely eradicate terrorism and restore peace across the North-East.

(NAN)