The Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Uwem Bassey, has charged field commanders of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), to maintain operational momentum and adopt innovative strategies in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Major General Bassey gave the charge during an operational assessment visit to Headquarters Theatre Command, Maiduguri, between Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 September 2025. The visit, undertaken on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, was aimed at evaluating operational effectiveness, boosting troops’ morale, ensuring strategic alignment, and extending direct support to the theatre.

Speaking during the tour, the Army Operations Chief conveyed the COAS’s resolve to engage directly with commanders, review progress, and swiftly address challenges requiring intervention. He urged troops to “go all out, dominate every space, and deny terrorists freedom of action,” stressing that innovative approaches were essential to achieving decisive outcomes.

Major General Bassey also emphasised the importance of jointness, urging land, maritime, and air components of OPHK to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies. He commended the synergy already achieved, noting that unity of effort remained crucial in dismantling terrorist networks.

The visit featured interactive sessions with sector and component commanders, where operational issues and challenges were extensively reviewed. His tour included key formations such as 21 Armoured Special Brigade in Bama; 151 Battalion at Banki Junction; 152 Battalion in Banki; and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bula Yobe. At each location, he received detailed briefings from commanders and assured them of urgent attention to their concerns. He also praised troops for their impressive combat performance and encouraged them to sustain the tempo.

While addressing personnel, Major General Bassey reiterated the Nigerian Army’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and cowardice, urging troops to fully leverage available firepower to decisively deal with terrorists. He further engaged with members of the Hybrid Forces and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), delivering the COAS’s message of appreciation and encouragement. He reminded them of their vital role as community defenders, urging loyalty, courage, and steadfastness.

Cautioning against acts of betrayal and intelligence leaks to terrorists, the Operations Chief declared that such conduct would not be tolerated, as it undermines security efforts and endangers local communities. “Some may appear friendly by day but act as enemies by night. We must stand firm, remain disciplined, and fight with every resource until terrorism is decisively defeated,” he warned.

He assured that troops, working closely with other components and agencies, would continue to sustain aggressive operations to dominate the battlefield and deny terrorists freedom of action.