CNS Abbas Visits Operation HADIN KAI Headquarters, Reaffirms Commitment to Joint Counter-Terrorism Efforts
CNS Abbas Visits Operation HADIN KAI Headquarters, Reaffirms Commitment to Joint Counter-Terrorism Efforts
CNS Abbas Visits Operation HADIN KAI Headquarters, Reaffirms Commitment to Joint Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has paid a landmark operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-service collaboration in the fight against terrorism in the region.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, 1 January 2026, underscored the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to deepen operational synergy with sister services in addressing security challenges in the North East.
Addressing troops during the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas extended New Year greetings and commended officers and men for their courage, resilience, and sacrifices in defending the nation. He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for the operational gains recorded against terrorist elements and urged personnel to remain steadfast and professional in sustaining the momentum.
The Naval Chief stressed the importance of jointness among the Armed Forces, noting that effective collaboration enhances operational efficiency, enables rapid response to threats, and strengthens national security. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong and sustained presence on the Lake Chad waterways to support peace, stability, and economic recovery in the region.
Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted notable progress in reopening critical waterways, which has allowed fishermen, farmers, traders, and transport operators to resume economic activities. He emphasized that continuous naval dominance, coupled with close coordination with other security agencies, remains vital to consolidating these gains and supporting host communities.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the CNS and presented a comprehensive briefing on ongoing operations. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Nigerian Navy, particularly in the Lake Chad Islands, describing maritime dominance as a key factor in operational success and regional stability.
As part of the visit, the CNS conducted an on-the-spot assessment of naval facilities at the Naval Base Annex along Monguno Road. He also visited the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga, where he interacted with troops at Fish Dam and undertook a riverine patrol of the Lake Chad waterways to assess the level of clearance achieved so far. The operational tour concluded with a New Year luncheon hosted by the CNS for the troops.
Vice Admiral Abbas further paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s support and pledged continued collaboration to secure the waterways and promote socio-economic development. Governor Zulum commended the Navy’s efforts and called for sustained and intensified operations to maintain lasting 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. Activities during the visit featured operational briefings, interactive engagements, and ceremonial exchanges.
CNS Abbas Visits Operation HADIN KAI Headquarters, Reaffirms Commitment to Joint Counter-Terrorism Efforts
