The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, conducted an operational visit to Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit was aimed at appraising ongoing operations, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, and engaging key stakeholders in the Theatre.
The Ministers paid homage to the Shehu of Borno at his palace where he expressed deep appreciation for his sustained support to the Armed Forces and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The Ministers acknowledged the resilience of the people and reaffirmed the government’s support to the North East region.
Also, they visited the Borno State Government House where the ministers were received by the Deputy Governor on behalf of the Executive Governor.
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The Deputy Governor conveyed the appreciation of the Government and people of Borno State for the continued sacrifices of troops and the Federal Government’s support.
In their reactions, the Ministers reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining military operations and strengthening collaboration with the State Government, and assured of intensified efforts to enhance security across the region.
In honour of fallen heroes, the Ministers visited the Military Cemetery in Maiduguri, where they laid wreaths and paid solemn tribute to gallant troops who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
During the visit, the Ministers received a comprehensive operational brief from the Theatre Commander, at the Headquarters OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who outlined recent operational activities across the Theatre.
Abubakar highlighted significant milestones recorded through sustained offensive-defensive operations, including the neutralisation of over 280 terrorist elements during the Ramadan period, disruption of their logistics networks, and the rescue of abducted civilians. He further presented future operational projections and assured the Ministers of the unwavering commitment, high morale, and determination of troops to decisively defeat terrorism in the North East.
Addressing the press, the Defence Minister commended the Armed Forces for the remarkable progress recorded in ongoing operations, noting that the successes achieved reflect improved coordination, resilience, and professionalism of troops.
He emphasised the need for sustained national support to the military and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to decisively address insecurity and restore lasting peace across the country.
The visit also featured the inspection of the newly constructed Military Command and Control Centre, designed to enhance operational coordination, intelligence fusion, and real-time decision-making within the Theatre.
Additionally, the Ministers commissioned newly constructed family accommodation for troops, initiated and funded by the HMOD. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale.
