Army Headquarters Team Storms North-East Theatre, Reports Major Gains Against Terrorists
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
A high-level delegation from the Army Headquarters Department of Operations (AHQ DAOPS) has visited the North-East theatre of Operation HADIN KAI to evaluate operational effectiveness, amid reports of significant successes against insurgents, including the neutralisation of over 300 terrorists in recent operations.
The visit was disclosed in a press release issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, on April 1, 2026.
The delegation, which arrived at the Headquarters Theatre Command Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar. The visit, according to the statement, is part of ongoing efforts by Army Headquarters to “evaluate operational activities and enhance effectiveness across various theatres of operations.”
During the visit, the team was given a comprehensive briefing on ongoing operations within the theatre, highlighting recent achievements and challenges.
Speaking during the engagement, the Team Leader, Colonel Olubukola Olusanya, commended the command for what he described as a “detailed and insightful briefing,” noting that it was “both informative and reflective of the tremendous successes recorded in the theatre.”
Olusanya explained that the mission was to “assess operational activities and identify areas requiring urgent attention,” adding that such periodic assessments are designed to ensure “continuous improvement through timely recommendations and interventions.”
He further assured the Theatre Commander that the delegation would carry out a “comprehensive and objective evaluation” and provide feedback aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness across all theatres.
In his remarks, Major General Abubakar emphasised the importance of the visit, stating that the AHQ DAOPS team plays a “critical role in identifying operational gaps and strengthening ongoing military efforts.”
He urged the delegation to undertake a “thorough and objective assessment, with actionable recommendations that would further improve operational efficiency in Operation HADIN KAI and other theatres nationwide,” stressing that the command places “high premium on any assessment from outside the Theatre.”
Highlighting recent operational gains, the Theatre Commander disclosed that troops had “neutralised over 300 terrorists across multiple fronts,” including the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, and Mallamfatori, during the ongoing dry season offensive.
He noted that the achievement has “significantly boosted troops’ morale,” attributing the success to “robust logistics and administrative support as well as the implementation of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.”
Abubakar added that the operation’s “reward and sanction system” has improved discipline and encouraged troops to adopt “more proactive and innovative approaches” in prosecuting the counter-terrorism campaign.
The visit concluded with an interactive session, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph.
