Theatre Commander Seeks Veterans' Support to Boost Counter Terrorism Operations in North-East

The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has called on retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion to strengthen collaboration with the military by providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing counter terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

The appeal was made during separate courtesy visits by the leadership of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMANAF) and the Nigerian Legion, Borno State Chapter, to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Theatre Commander congratulated the newly elected executives of both organisations and commended their continued commitment to national security and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Major General Abubakar acknowledged the significant contributions of military veterans to the successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI, noting that the evolving nature of the insurgency requires sustained intelligence sharing, effective civil military cooperation and seamless communication to frustrate the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements.

He described REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion as custodians of the Armed Forces' rich heritage and institutional memory, urging members to deploy their vast operational experience and strong community networks to provide actionable information that would enhance operational planning and improve the effectiveness of troops in the field.

The Theatre Commander assured the veterans of the military's continued partnership and support, stressing that their sacrifices and years of dedicated service remain highly appreciated. He also pledged that the welfare concerns of retired personnel would continue to receive due attention.

Reaffirming the military's commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region, Abubakar said Operation HADIN KAI would continue to combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in tackling insecurity, adding that stronger collaboration with veterans and other critical stakeholders is essential to consolidating recent gains against insurgents.

Earlier, the Chairmen of REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion, Major Tijani Mohammed (Rtd) and Lieutenant Commander Bukar Kyari (Rtd), respectively, congratulated the Theatre Commander on his appointment and praised his leadership.

They noted that the improving security situation in Borno State and across the North-East reflects the dedication, resilience and professionalism of Operation HADIN KAI personnel.

The veteran groups said their visit was aimed at formally introducing their leadership, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the military's operations and strengthening collaboration through intelligence sharing, community engagement and other lawful initiatives that complement ongoing military efforts.

They also appealed for greater attention to the welfare of retired servicemen, widows, orphans and persons living with disabilities within their associations, expressing confidence that closer cooperation with Operation HADIN KAI would further strengthen support for veterans and reinforce the longstanding bond between serving and retired military personnel.

The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors' register, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph. Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olushola Akinboyewa, Principal Staff Officers and other senior officers of Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI.