Nigerian Army Chief visits Borno to lead rescue operations

Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to rescue all abducted Nigerians and eliminate terrorist and bandit camps. The visit to the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, comes as the military intensifies efforts against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

During his visit, Shuaibu addressed troops, urging them to maintain discipline and professionalism to ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also pledged to improve troop welfare, including medical support and combat equipment.

The military's mission follows significant public pressure, particularly from the parents of 78 school children abducted in May 2026 from the Mussa and Lassa communities. While families have faced extreme hardship, the President has tasked security chiefs with ensuring no terrorist camps remain in the country and that all captives are located and rescued.