Naval Chief Visits North East Theatre, Calls for Stronger Joint Operations Against Terrorism

Naval Chief Visits North East Theatre, Calls for Stronger Joint Operations Against Terrorism

By Kingsley Ohens
Reporting for Urbanscoopnews

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reiterated the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to intensifying joint operations against terrorism, as he paid an operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

During the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas commended officers and men of the task force for their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign across the North East. He conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the troops’ sustained operational successes, noting that their efforts have continued to weaken terrorist networks and improve security conditions in the region.

The Naval Chief emphasized that the evolving nature of security threats demands deeper collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies. According to him, enhanced joint planning, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations remain critical to consolidating recent gains and ensuring lasting peace.

Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s strategic commitment to maintaining a strong and effective presence within the Lake Chad Basin, particularly along its waterways. He highlighted notable progress recorded in reopening critical water routes previously disrupted by insurgent activities, describing the development as vital to the restoration of livelihoods, trade, and broader socioeconomic activities for communities affected by the conflict.

He assured that the Navy would continue to work closely with sister services and relevant stakeholders, including the Borno State Government, to sustain stability and prevent the resurgence of terrorist elements in the area. The CNS noted that maritime and inland waterway security remains an essential component of the overall counter-terrorism architecture in the North East.

Senior military commanders at the theatre briefed the Naval Chief on the current operational environment, achievements recorded, and challenges encountered in the conduct of operations under Operation HADIN KAI.

Vice Admiral Abbas expressed confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the troops, urging them to remain focused and resolute in the discharge of their duties. He stressed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to providing the necessary support to the Armed Forces to ensure the successful conclusion of counter-terrorism operations and the restoration of enduring peace in the North East.