Army chief vows action against Boko Haram and ISWAP after fresh attacks in Borno, assuring troops remain in control of security operations

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured that troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, remain firmly in control of the security situation in the region and are intensifying operations to eliminate remaining fighters of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

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Shaibu gave the assurance on Saturday in Maiduguri after a closed-door meeting with the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers at the 7 Division Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment.

The Army chief was on a one-day operational visit to assess the recent surge in attacks targeting military formations and communities across parts of Borno State and the wider North-East.

According to Shaibu, commanders at the frontline provided detailed briefings on ongoing operations, key achievements and urgent operational needs aimed at strengthening the counter-insurgency campaign.

“I am here on a routine operational visit. The meeting has given me the opportunity to hear directly from troops on the frontline about their challenges and requirements so that they can be addressed promptly,” Shaibu said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, expressed condolences to families of victims killed in recent attacks in Ngoshe, Konduga, Mainok, Jakana and Marte.

Reports indicate that several civilians and soldiers lost their lives during the assaults, while more than 300 residents, mostly women and children, were abducted in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area.

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Security authorities say intensified operations are underway as troops move to stabilise affected communities and prevent further attacks across the insurgency-hit region.