The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, 27 December 2025, honoured frontline troops of OPHK with a special Christmas luncheon in Maiduguri, Borno State, in recognition of their dedication, resilience and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.
In his goodwill message, the COAS, represented by Commander Infantry Corps (CIC), Major General Godwin Mutkut, extended warm Christmas greetings to troops, expressing his delight at celebrating the festive season with troops of OPHK.
He described Christmas as a season symbolising love, sacrifice, hope and renewal, and an opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to the nation.
The COAS noted that while many Nigerians celebrate the season with their families, frontline troops remain steadfast in the discharge of their oath to God and country, standing as an unbreakable wall of hope for the nation. He commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and selfless service in the conduct of Operation HADIN KAI, which has contributed significantly to the stabilisation of Borno State and the wider North East region.
He further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined and proactive, warning that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security. He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration with sister security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, whose trust is essential for achieving enduring peace.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority of the Nigerian Army, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare delivery and provide support for military families. He also expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support to military operations nationwide. He also wished the wounded personnel a speedy recovery.
The COAS reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with sister security agencies, remain resolute and relentless in combating terrorism, defending democracy and safeguarding the nation, pledging that the military would continue to act boldly, decisively and with unwavering commitment to duty.
The COAS reiterated the Army leadership’s appreciation of the troops’ sacrifices and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness and personnel welfare in line with the COAS’ command philosophy and “Soldiers First” culture. He also appreciated the support of military families, sister services and key stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on behalf of officers and soldiers of OPHK and other security agencies, warmly welcomed the COAS, the Governor of Borno State and other dignitaries. He commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and steadfastness in restoring normalcy to the North East in line with the mandate of OPHK.
Major General Abubakar highlighted significant operational successes recorded by OPHK, including the neutralisation of several terrorists as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition, which contributed to the relatively peaceful Yuletide across the Joint Operations Area. He noted that the COAS’ interventions had served as a major morale booster, leading to the disruption of terrorist logistics, the establishment of Forward Operating Bases, and the resettlement of internally displaced persons—key indicators of success in the theatre. He also acknowledged the continued support of the Borno State Government and the people of the state.
In his goodwill message, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani, expressed condolences to the families of officers and men of OPHK who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. He commended the gallant troops for sustaining operational tempo and ensuring the protection of lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Governor Zulum assured the troops of the unwavering support of the Borno State Government, describing the patriotism and commitment of the Armed Forces as “second to none.” He sympathised with wounded personnel and prayed for the peaceful repose of fallen heroes, while assuring that the state government would continue to support their families. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces, commended the COAS for his leadership in the fight against insurgency, and praised the Theatre Commander OPHK and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in securing the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, thanked God for the successful hosting of the 2025 COAS Christmas Luncheon with frontline troops. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic leadership and support to the Armed Forces, the Government and people of Borno State, traditional institutions, international and local civil society organisations, heads of security agencies, members of the press and other distinguished guests for honouring the occasion.
The event, which took place at the 212 Battalion Parade Ground, Maimalari Military Cantonment, was hosted by Headquarters 7 Division Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). It brought together officers, soldiers, their families and invited guests in an atmosphere of warmth, unity and festive cheer.
The colourful celebration featured cultural dance performances showcasing Nigeria’s rich diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, as well as other morale-boosting activities designed to ease the burden of frontline duties during the Yuletide season.
Highlights of the event included the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops and wounded soldiers by the COAS’ representative and other senior dignitaries, reinforcing leadership’s closeness to the rank and file and further boosting troop morale.
The event concluded with a group photograph with wounded soldiers and renewed calls for discipline, unity and professionalism, as troops were encouraged to celebrate responsibly while remaining vigilant in defence of the nation.
