The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has praised troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in defending the country.
Abbas gave the commendation during a landmark visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit was disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Thursday.
Addressing officers and men, the Naval Chief conveyed New Year greetings and applauded their professionalism in the face of persistent security threats. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining a strong presence on the Lake Chad waterways to support peace, security and economic recovery in the region.
“Your dedication and professionalism in the face of persistent threats are commendable. The Nigerian Navy remains committed to maintaining a robust presence on the Lake Chad waterways to support peace, security and economic revival,” Abbas said.
He also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation of the Armed Forces for recorded operational successes against terrorist groups, urging personnel to sustain the momentum.
The CNS stressed the importance of joint operations, noting that effective collaboration among the Armed Forces enhances efficiency, enables rapid response to threats and strengthens national security.
Highlighting progress made so far, Abbas noted that the reopening of key waterways has helped restore socio-economic activities, allowing fishermen, farmers, traders and transport operators to resume their livelihoods. He emphasised that sustained naval operations and inter-service cooperation are vital to maintaining security and supporting local communities.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the Naval Chief and briefed him on ongoing operations, acknowledging the Nigerian Navy’s critical role in achieving maritime dominance and improving regional stability.
During the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas toured the Naval Base Annex along Monguno Road and the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga. He interacted with troops at Fish Dam, undertook a riverine patrol to assess waterway clearance operations, and hosted a New Year luncheon with personnel.
The Naval Chief also paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, thanking him for his support and pledging continued collaboration to secure the waterways and promote socio-economic development. Governor Zulum commended the Navy’s efforts and called for intensified operations to sustain peace in the region.
The visit was attended by senior military and naval officers, including the Deputy Theatre Commander, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, component commanders and principal staff officers, and featured operational briefings, interactive sessions and ceremonial exchanges.
